an honesty question

[quarrel]

Is it a lie to make a statement that is only false until you say it?

Comments

[jadedfox.livejournal.com]

"I won't talk about it?"

[quarrel.livejournal.com]

That's the opposite, but, yes. Something like that.

[donnaidh-sidhe.livejournal.com]

"I just told a lie"?

Wait.

[ladyperegrine.livejournal.com]

"I just said something."

[rowyn]

"I have spoken of lightning birds in the cloud-streaked red skies of Anamataphalia." :)

[rowyn]

My answer: it is, in a logical sense, not a lie. In respect of honesty, it is dishonest if the effect is to deceive or mislead the listener. One can easily be truthful without being honest. >:)

[quarrel.livejournal.com]

Oh, but the effect is to deceive or mislead the listener, at least in the particular instance that spawned the question.

That instance, if you're curious, is telling yourself "I can do this" to psych yourself up before attempting something you're not sure you can do.