https://dinonline.org/2016/06/30/beware-of-deception-the-prohibition-of-geneivas-daas/
The Semag (Negative Prohibition 155) and the Shulchan Aruch Harav (Onaah 11) likewise state that the prohibition of deception is a Torah law. The Semak (262), however, writes that the prohibition is rabbinic, and this is also the opinion of the Bach (Choshen Mishpat 228).
Some authorities make a distinction between commerce and other matters, writing that the Torah prohibition applies only to sales and commerce (see Sefer Ha-Kovetz, De’os 2:6; see also Shulchan Aruch Ha-Rav, who makes special mention of deception that results in financial gain). Certainly, if a merchant purposely conceals a flaw in the goods he sells, it will be a full transgression of the prohibition (and be classified as monetary theft as well).
what about intellectual dishonesty?
ReplyDeleteTo some extent, it is already implied, eg telling someone that the treif meat is "kosher". Well, how about telling someone a fallacy or falsehood, and claiming it is emes, or from Sinai?