To lie or not to lie? That is the question...

After reading Kant's article on the duty to tell the truth, I started to contemplate whether or not his logic was right. According to him, one must tell the truth at all times regardless if that causes harm to another.  Reading his example of the murderer and his potential victim, I couldn't help but make snide remarks in my head. Although after reflection, I can see why he believes that it is a duty to tell the truth in order to maintain mankind.

If it perhaps would be permissible to lie when a person could be harmed wouldn't that be defined by every individual themselves? In other words...there isn't a clear definition of what "harm" is. Harm could be defined as something physical, mental, and spiritual. Someone could define "harming" another by telling them the truth about whether or not their hair looks good, they cheated on their significant other, they stole something, etc. The list could go on and on. There has to be a clear and precise principle that states lying is wrong no matter what so that there are restrictions and barriers set up.

All Kant believes is that it is a duty to others and ourselves that we "tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth" at all times.

I can't really say I disagree with him either.