title: Lying through your teeth.
abstract: Evidence is presented that the concerns over diminished truth-telling in dentistry are a reflection of changes in society generally. Some of the reasons for dimmed truth-telling are listed, leading to a conclusion that society is in the process of rejecting an "objective" view of truth based on the word of authorities. An alternative, authentic conception of truth is proposed: truth is agreement that it is mutually advantageous for the parties involved to believe the promises they have made as a foundation for common action. Some of the characteristics of this view are discussed.
authors.affiliation: University of the Pacific School of Dentistry, USA. dchambers@pacific.edu
authors.forename: David W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Chambers
mesh_terms: D003132:Commerce / Q000941:ethics; D008192:Deception; D003815:Dentists / Q000941:ethics*; D028663:Ethical Theory; D004990:Ethics, Dental; D004995:Ethics, Professional; D006801:Humans; D012945:Social Values; D014342:Truth Disclosure / Q000941:ethics*