Duplicity & Dark Triad

Writ by Jesse Lee

Duplicity refers to deception by acting in two different ways, often simultaneously. It implies deliberately hiding your true feelings or intentions and presenting false or misleading versions of yourself to different people or in different situations.

Here are some key aspects of duplicity:

• Doubleness: The core meaning stems from the concept of "double" or "twofold." You present two versions of yourself, one true and one hidden.

• Intentional Deception: It's not accidental or innocent - you actively try to mislead others.
• Falsehood: You use words or actions that create a false impression.
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• Motivation: Often driven by manipulation, self-interest, or a desire to avoid consequences.

Examples of duplicity:

• A politician who publicly supports a cause but privately works against it.
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• A friend who gossips about you behind your back while pretending to be loyal.
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• A salesperson who makes false promises about a product to close a deal.
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• A spy who operates under a cover identity and deceives both sides.

Synonyms for duplicity:

• Double-dealing

• Deceitfulness

• Guile

• Hypocrisy

• Underhandedness

It's important to note that not all forms of deception are duplicity. For example, telling a little white lie to spare someone's feelings might not necessarily be considered duplicitous. The key distinction lies in the intent and complexity of the deception.

There's a strong correlation between duplicity and the dark triad personality traits of

Machiavellianism

narcissism

 and

psychopathy.

 While all three traits involve manipulation and a disregard for others, they exhibit duplicity in distinct ways:

Machiavellianism:

 Characterized by manipulation and strategic deception, individuals high in Machiavellianism often use duplicity to gain power or exploit others. They may be charming and untrustworthy, employing cunning tactics and calculated lies to achieve their goals.

Narcissism:

 Grandiosity and a sense of entitlement are core narcissistic traits. Individuals with narcissism may use duplicity to maintain a flawless self-image or manipulate situations to get ahead, often resorting to subtle dishonesty or emotional manipulation.

Psychopathy:

Lack of empathy and impulsivity are key psychopathic traits. Individuals high in psychopathy may engage in blatant deception and lies without remorse, often for personal gain or simply for the thrill of manipulation.

It's important to remember that these are complex personality traits, and not everyone who exhibits duplicity necessarily falls into the dark triad category. However, understanding the link between duplicity and these dark traits can provide valuable insights into potential motives and the potential impact of such behavior.