When Is It Alright, to Lie and When Is It Not - Essay Example

Right from the time, one is a kid, it has been ingrained in one’s character, that lying is a sin. As a child, parents and teachers have administered lessons and related stories with morals, to deeply lay down the fact that speaking lies is something that is not morally and ethically right. It is a depiction of what is not true and hence, is false.

Even religious texts and moral and ethical treatises do highlight the fact that lying is a sin, a crime, and above all, a breach of trust and truth. Courts of law offer punishment for lying and a person who lies constantly is looked down upon and is considered to be bad-charactered in society.

However, sometimes in life, one is faced with situations that require some amount of lying or rather twisting the truth. For instance, parents do relate white lies to children, by saying that a demon would come and kidnap the baby if he or she does not eat. A teacher might threaten a student, to prevent him or her from getting attuned to what is not morally right.

One is, sometimes, forced to lie due to the turnaround of circumstances. At such a juncture, one might be troubled by the question, as to whether it is right to lie or not. When is it alright, to lie and when is it not? This is considered ethically appropriate. If lying does not bring about harm and is more so, good for the majority, it is alright to lie.

According to Buddhist scriptures, three instances require our awareness regarding being honest: Is it the absolute truth? Is it necessary? Is it kind? This helps one assess situations and emerge victorious in terms of morality.

The biblical ideal for Christians is, to be honest and to tell the truth. This is the norm. However, there are rare occasions when you face a moral conflict between two values—such as telling the truth OR saving a life.   Read More