Ethic of the Lie

**gambit** · October 06, 2008, 03:21 PM

How do you see dishonesty? Ethical/Unethical or just someone doing what they, rightfully, can to get ahead in life?

If you chose the ethical/unethical side, and you were trying to stay ethical, would you lie to save someones life? I'm guessing many of you would say yes for that circumstance, but where do we draw the line? Would you also lie to protect someones feelings? While it is considered "nice" to say yes, isn't that a type of controlling way to deal with your friend? "This will probably hurt his/her feelings, so I'm just going to not tell them something that is the truth; even if it would be better for them to hear it" Then you can say "Well he/she would probably not mind if I told them I think their hair looks stupid, but they would that their girlfriend is cheating on them." Which brings us back to, where do we draw the line?

Is that the wisest way to think about it? If we can just decide "Well under this circumstance, yes we can totally waive away our beliefs." then where do we draw the line? Whats to stop future generations from interpreting it in their own fashion and using the loophole of circumstance to do what they want? Whos to decide which circumstance is best for the person, what makes them so right?

Well some cases may seem like common sense, not everyone is that reasonable in judging such actions; also some cases no one can be sure what is the right thing to do. A solid belief about the lie is pretty hard to muster.

Discuss.

**Theseus1234** · October 06, 2008, 07:41 PM

as with all morals, ethics, and beliefs, the nature of a lie is variable
i, for one, couldn't say when lying becomes out of hand, but when presented with certain situations, i can readily identify if the lying was acceptable and why
but there are two general rules for lying for me. one being that it becomes out of hand if it is compulsive, no matter how small the lie (guilty) and another is if it actually hurts someone else physically or emotionally in a scarring way, not in a "I HATE YOUR OUTFIT" kind of way.

**Hand of Nergal** · October 06, 2008, 11:13 PM

As the fictional character David Lister from the British show Red Dwarf put it quite aptly "without lying to someone we cannot conceal our true intentions from then, and sometimes that is essential to survival"
At some point in our evolution humans developed the ability to hide and disguise our true wishes which gave us an edge over those who could not, and still does.
Its hard to turn off that instinct like a switch, its always on. People dont like being lied to, I dont even like lying, but if the situation required it you bet I would, and so would you, and thats that. Morals and ethics are only part of the consideration part of the time, circumstance governs all. Although I do believe that culture has a good deal to do with it also. Some cultures do look down on it, and that affects how often we do it. Some people are just more likely to do it than others, some people lie compulsively, I do not judge people, but again, I cant help my own human nature either: I absolutely hate liers.

**AqD** · October 07, 2008, 05:17 AM

Originally Posted by Hand of Nergal

I absolutely hate liers.

So you also hate people who set traps to capture other animals in order to survive?

And basically every great strategists/generals in human history?

What you hate is what make us human and superior to others...
________
WonderfulLife cam

**Roman Knight** · October 07, 2008, 06:42 AM

Originally Posted by Hand of Nergal

As the fictional character David Lister from the British show Red Dwarf put it quite aptly "without lying to someone we cannot conceal our true intentions from then, and sometimes that is essential to survival"

Never has there been a deeper philosopher. He was one of the first to oppose silicon heaven, you know.

**Hand of Nergal** · October 07, 2008, 06:54 AM

Lol Roman knight, silicon heaven is a scam, just like the real heaven

BTW, why would a hunter be a liar?
???

**Axeman** · October 06, 2008, 11:37 PM

Its just another tool of humanity , a necesscary evil , I try to be honest whenever possible , but unless I find myself lying on were I put the body I wont be loosing any sleep.