In Barker and Carter's typology, which category corresponds to lies that are considered 'necessary evils'?

In Barker and Carter's typology, which category corresponds to lies that are considered 'necessary evils'?

• A. Deviant Lies
• B. Blue Lies
• C. Tolerated Lies
• D. Placebo Lies

Answer: (C)

A key idea here is that not all lies carry the same moral weight; some are considered acceptable because they prevent greater harm. In Barker and Carter’s typology, lies are sorted by how socially and ethically acceptable they are in practice. The category that captures lies viewed as permissible in special circumstances—the ones people tolerate because honesty would cause more harm—is the set described as tolerating certain deception, or “necessary evils.” These lies aren’t driven by malice or self-gain; they’re seen as a pragmatic choice to protect someone, maintain safety, or preserve social functioning. This fits better than the other categories because those other lies are treated differently: Deviant lies violate norms and are not tolerated; blue lies are told to shield someone or to achieve a benevolent outcome but still face moral scrutiny; placebo lies are designed to comfort or manage morale rather than to avert concrete harm. So, lies considered acceptable as a necessary trade-off and thus tolerated align with the concept of tolerating lies.

A key idea here is that not all lies carry the same moral weight; some are considered acceptable because they prevent greater harm. In Barker and Carter’s typology, lies are sorted by how socially and ethically acceptable they are in practice. The category that captures lies viewed as permissible in special circumstances—the ones people tolerate because honesty would cause more harm—is the set described as tolerating certain deception, or “necessary evils.” These lies aren’t driven by malice or self-gain; they’re seen as a pragmatic choice to protect someone, maintain safety, or preserve social functioning.

This fits better than the other categories because those other lies are treated differently: Deviant lies violate norms and are not tolerated; blue lies are told to shield someone or to achieve a benevolent outcome but still face moral scrutiny; placebo lies are designed to comfort or manage morale rather than to avert concrete harm. So, lies considered acceptable as a necessary trade-off and thus tolerated align with the concept of tolerating lies.