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The age-old saying "speak the truth and shame the devil"
emphasizes the importance of honesty, even when it comes at a personal cost.
However, in modern times, the "schoolboy's eleventh commandment" seems to be
"tell a lie, and stick to it," advocating for individuals to get away with
wrongdoing if possible. This mindset stems from self-interest and indifference
to the consequences of one's actions, while the former advocates for moral
rectitude.
Silence may also amount to a lie, especially when meant to shift blame from
oneself. Cicero claimed that it was the nature of a scoundrel to deceive through
lying. The truth, on the other hand, is an essential factor in the health of
society. Justice itself relies on witnesses pledging to speak the truth, the
whole truth, and nothing but the truth. The law imposes severe penalties on
those who perjure themselves after taking this oath, indicating that there are
no circumstances in which lying can ever be justified.
However, some situations may call for lying, such as when one has access to
national secrets, particularly in wartime or when danger looms. Personal loyalty
may come into play, with some opting for their country while others hold a
strong political belief based on conviction. During the Cold War, people on both
sides were prepared to betray their country's secrets for their beliefs. Some
spies were rewarded through asylum and honors and positions, with the ultimate
end justifying the means, even if it meant lying and deception.
In the 1939-45 war, the allies relied heavily on agents and deception, with
"disinformation" playing a prominent role. Some of the deception was elaborate,
with Hitler's forces in France tricked into believing that the invasion would be
at the Pas de Calais rather than along the Normandy coast. The British Ministry
of Information concealed some failures and exaggerated some successes for morale
purposes. The lies and deception were justified by the motivation and the
outcome.
Personal concerns may also call for lying, such as when dealing with
extra-marital relations or severe illnesses. It is not always kind to tell the
brutal truth about a severe illness such as cancer to a patient or their loved
ones right after diagnosis. Treatment may be successful, so unnecessary sadness
has been caused. Yet if not, there must come a time when the facts are
disclosed, so the patient can make provisions and the family can prepare.
Kindness and tact are other reasons why lying may be justified. It may not be
kind to tell a lady that her hat is hideous, even if it's your honest opinion.
Dress is a matter of opinion, not fact, and withholding the truth causes no
harm.
In conclusion, the ethics of lying are complex and depend on the situation.
While honesty is the best policy, some circumstances may call for lying to
protect the greater good or prevent harm. Kindness and tact also play a role in
social relationships, where lying or withholding the truth may cause no harm and
may even be beneficial. |
