Abstract

Bioshock is replete with propaganda and lies. Most of us associate this sort of behavior with dishonest governments attempting to control their citizens’ behavior, including their thoughts. Often the most perverse propaganda is successful precisely because it convinces its audience of things that they wouldn’t otherwise believe, and often against their own interests. But what is it about such speech that makes it morally problematic? Moreover, what difference, if any, is there between propaganda, lies, and bullshit? In this chapter, I suggest that propaganda is more closely associated with bullshitting than lying.