“Noble Lie” and its Role in Politics Cover Image

“Plemenita laž” i njezina uloga u politici
“Noble Lie” and its Role in Politics

Author(s): Henning Ottmann
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences
Published by: Fakultet političkih znanosti u Zagrebu
Keywords: antiquity; democracy; Plato; noble lie; lie in politics;

Summary/Abstract: In his State Plato allowed his philosopher-kings the “noble lie”, the “lie” that benefits the person lied to, akin to the “medical lie” used by a physician to his patient’s benefit. This text, using Plato as its starting point, looks into the role of the “noble lies” in today’s politics. It turns out that such lies occur in today’s democratic societies. Also, the “noble lies” are held responsible for stifling democratic publics and the loss of political trust.

  • Issue Year: XL/2003
  • Issue No: 03
  • Page Range: 95-102
  • Page Count: 8
  • Language: Croatian