Question

Some ethical views say that it always ethically wrong to lie, whereas a utilitarian view says that lying would be permissible if the lie had an overall benefit for people’s happiness. Is it ever wrong to lie? Why or why not? If you answered yes, under what circumstances would lying be okay? Explain.

Answer 1

• Eventhough from childhood we are taught to never speak a lie and always speak the truth but in reality we are often faced with situations wherein,lying becomes necessary and truth cannot always be told.
• Many of us have been placed in situations where it didn't feel possible to tell the truth. Maybe we didn't trust the person who was doing the asking, didn't feel comfortable in the setting, didn't know how they would take it, or all of the above.
• We've seen something like this emerging in the sexual assault allegations fueling the #MeToo movement. Too many women didn't feel comfortable trusting the authorities or the public with their stories of sexual harassment and sexual assault because they didn't think they would be believed.
• To lie, in my opinion, is wrong period. But if you’re lying for the sake of someone or to help someone, I guess it can be okay. Little lies are not that big of a deal, but then again a bunch of them add up to one big lie.
• In my opinion, I say in some situations it may be alright to lie. Sometimes telling the truth can make matters worse. A small little white lie won’t harm anybody.Like sometimes doctors,do not reveal the actual disease of the patient to the family,to not create panic among them until the situation is stable.This kind of lie is not harmful but helps in keeping the situation under control.
• You might tell a friend you love their outfit, even though it's not your favorite. And you definitely tell your friend that the dinner was delicious, despite it being quite the opposite. In these situations, a little lie is polite, right, and just what the person needs to hear.
• It is morally acceptable to lie when a falsehood protects someone from physical or emotional harm. Moreover, little white lies are socially accepted when they do no harm. For instance, telling a child that their drawing is nice or that their story is clever, or telling new parents that their baby is the cutest ever are both examples of this.
• In some situations when a person lies to ensure another are not negatively affected by the truth. In events where ‘the liar’ refrains from harming another’s emotions, attempt to not allow a person to make a great mistake, or helping others, it is encouraged to lie for the greater good.