You're making a lot of false assumptions about my position.<p>I essentially agree that white lies aren't "dishonesty," but what exactly consitutes a "white lie" is up for debate.<p>More importantly, I believe the word "moral" simply refers to a code of right and wrong which MUST be rationally supported to be valid.<p>I don't think there is a valid moral rule that states, "Do not lie." For example, one morally SHOULD lie to a serial killer who asks if your wife and kids are in the house. However, I consider that kind of case out of the scope of the present discussion. As a rule, you should not attempt to fake reality (lie) to other honest people in normal situations.