The definition given in "The Science of Discworld" (1999) is as follows: "A lie-to-children is a statement that is false, but which nevertheless leads the child's mind towards a more accurate explanation, one that the child will only be able to appreciate if it has been primed with the lie". The authors acknowledge that some people might dispute the applicability of the term "lie", while defending it on the grounds that "it is for the best possible reasons, but it is still a lie". This viewpoint is derived from earlier perspectives within the field of philosophy of science.