The (un)veiling of lies

Abstract

Drawing from the conceptual-historical transformations endured by the concept of the “lie”, as well as its relationship with that of “truth” and especially with that of “veracity”, this article aims to examine the construction of lying as a relevant, historiographic act, especially in its more intentional version, that will only be deconstructed if it is dully belied by the confession of the mendacious, or by the investigating and critical judgement of others. Furthermore, we will emphasize that the history of both is indissociable from the confl icts that have arisen (and are still arising) due to communal living and languages that institute it. Simultaneously, this article will aim to disclose that, in regard to the public effects, the struggle for veracity (in fact, including the struggle for truth) is much more difficult than the attachment to lie disguised as truth.