When do We have a Moral Obligation Not to Lie?

[AnnaCzereda]

We all lie. It's part of human nature so I don't see it in terms of morality. Sometimes, you have to lie to make another person feel good; the so-called white lies. However, I must admit I don't like being lied to, especially if someone doesn't even know how to lie properly. Lying is art. If you don't know how to do it, then don't do it because once you gain a reputation of a liar other people will red flag you and won't take anything you say seriously.

 

[Wirey]

Under what circumstances or conditions, if any, do we have a moral obligation not to lie? Why?

Under what circumstances or conditions, if any, do we have a moral obligation to tell the truth? Why?

Offhand, I think we have a moral obligation not to lie when doing so would harm an innocent person. I have read that that principle is relatively ubiquitous.

For instance, I think we might have a moral obligation not to lie when doing so would cause an innocent person to form a false or misleading view of affairs, for such a view, if acted upon, could bring harm to them, or through them, to others. Of course, I do not mean we have a moral obligation not to lie in cases when someone might thereby form a false or misleading view that cannot possibly harm them (yet how are we to determine when that's indeed the case?).

As to the second question, I think we might have a moral obligation to tell the truth when doing so would likely benefit someone -- perhaps so long as doing so would not lead to harm for us or others.

I am not fixed in my opinions on this subject, though, but rather am looking for insights.

What are your thoughts on this?

We never have a complete moral obligation to be truthful. It might be impossible. I will never see 'true' the same way as you, so when I say a child's smile is beautiful for all I know I'm defining ugly as beautiful to you. Claiming to be honest is inherently dishonest.

 

[Revoltingest]

We never have a complete moral obligation to be truthful. It might be impossible. I will never see 'true' the same way as you, so when I say a child's smile is beautiful for all I know I'm defining ugly as beautiful to you. Claiming to be honest is inherently dishonest.

I always lie!
Think of the implications.

(And some here are saying, "I knew it!".)

 

[Wirey]

I always lie!

Ain't that the truth!

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Under what circumstances or conditions, if any, do we have a moral obligation not to lie? Why?

Under what circumstances or conditions, if any, do we have a moral obligation to tell the truth? Why?

Offhand, I think we have a moral obligation not to lie when doing so would harm an innocent person. I have read that that principle is relatively ubiquitous.

For instance, I think we might have a moral obligation not to lie when doing so would cause an innocent person to form a false or misleading view of affairs, for such a view, if acted upon, could bring harm to them, or through them, to others. Of course, I do not mean we have a moral obligation not to lie in cases when someone might thereby form a false or misleading view that cannot possibly harm them (yet how are we to determine when that's indeed the case?).

As to the second question, I think we might have a moral obligation to tell the truth when doing so would likely benefit someone -- perhaps so long as doing so would not lead to harm for us or others.

I am not fixed in my opinions on this subject, though, but rather am looking for insights.

What are your thoughts on this?

I suppose the simplest answer is that we always have a moral obligation to act according to what our moral code dictates. Sometimes this involves telling the truth, and sometimes it involves telling a lie. Lies and truth themselves are morally neutral.