Ah, but your examples come from it from the sole angle of parenting lies. Lies are much broader-sweeping. What about: - someone has gone to place a but is supposed to be at place x. Person B lies to cover up for "someone" when another person inquires why they aren't at place x. (I suppose it depends on the reasons why "someone" has gone to "place a." If they are cheating on their wife, probably a bad lie. What if they are desperately needed at place a?) - I eat my roommate's food. Before she returns, I replace it all. I do not tell her. Is this a lie? Is it bad? - I want to go somewhere, but I don't want to go with (person x). Instead of telling person x I want to go there but don't want them to come, I lie and say I am going somewhere else/not going out. etc. So if intent is not the adequate way, what is?