Freethought & Rationalism Archive

rjak · 06-03-2003, 02:39 PM

I think it is pretty clear that it is okay to lie under certain circs. For example the classic example of saying "No, Mr SS agent, there aren't any jews around here" is not only permissible, it is the only ethical action in that situation. Lying to my girlfriend so that I can sleep around, however, is not ethically permissible. Lying to prevent harm to others is allowable.

yelyos · 06-03-2003, 03:04 PM

The morality of every action is based on what it does to others. Lying, cheating, donating money. Of course there will be circumstances where the first two are moral and the third is not.

Is there any action that is always moral or immoral?

P.S. Oh yes... trillian1. I think you described the situation I'm in. Ambiguities and implied statements help me immensely while I go about my day-to-day life.

Trecker · 06-04-2003, 04:39 AM

"Always tell the truth to the ones you love; save your lies for your enemies." The old proverb goes something like that

View Poll Results: When is it OK to lie?
It is always OK to lie.	3	4.84%
It is OK to lie if it is to my advantage.	7	11.29%
It is OK to lie if it is for the good of the people around me.	22	35.48%
It is OK to lie if it doesn't hurt anyone.	16	25.81%
It is never OK to lie.	2	3.23%
Other	12	19.35%
Voters: 62. You may not vote on this poll

06-04-2003, 04:39 AM	#23
Trecker Regular Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 239	lies "Always tell the truth to the ones you love; save your lies for your enemies." The old proverb goes something like that

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

06-03-2003, 02:39 PM	#21
rjak New Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Michigan Posts: 3	I think it is pretty clear that it is okay to lie under certain circs. For example the classic example of saying "No, Mr SS agent, there aren't any jews around here" is not only permissible, it is the only ethical action in that situation. Lying to my girlfriend so that I can sleep around, however, is not ethically permissible. Lying to prevent harm to others is allowable.

06-03-2003, 03:04 PM	#22
yelyos Regular Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: northern suburbs of Toronto, Canada Posts: 401	The morality of every action is based on what it does to others. Lying, cheating, donating money. Of course there will be circumstances where the first two are moral and the third is not. Is there any action that is always moral or immoral? P.S. Oh yes... trillian1. I think you described the situation I'm in. Ambiguities and implied statements help me immensely while I go about my day-to-day life.

Freethought & Rationalism Archive

The archives are read only.