When, if ever, is it OK to lie?

[Sunstone]

When, if ever, is it ok to lie? Why?

Suppose you had a duck that you stole from a farmer and hid in a pen in your basement. Further suppose the farmer came looking for the duck and asked you if you had seen it. Would it be ok to lie to him and say you hadn't seen it? Why or why not?

Suppose you had a duck. Further suppose some tyrant passed a law against ducks for (in your opinion) no good reason, and that, consequently, you hid your duck behind a false wall you built in your kid's room. Last, suppose the duck police came asking if you knew of any ducks in the neighborhood. Would it be ok to lie to them and say you didn't know of any ducks? Why or why not?

Suppose you knew a ninja duck that had once saved your life. Suppose that duck came to you panting and in a hurry and said, "I can't explain right now, but you must hide me!" So you hid him out back behind the very same oak tree where you had once long ago smooched with your hot third cousin, Chris. Presently, Chris, now an officer of the law, comes to you demanding to know if you have seen the duck. Do you tell Chris where the duck who once saved your life is or do you lie to your former smooch-buddy? Why?

Suppose the ninja duck came to you again, only this time, the duck explained that he was being chased because he had assassinated the President who, in your opinion, was a tyrant. When Chris shows up would you lie about your knowledge of the duck? Why? What if, in your opinion, the President wasn't a tyrant, but actually a fairly good person: Would you still conceal the duck from Chris? Why?
​

In all of these cases, I am more concerned with the "whys and why nots" than I am with the mere "yes or nos".

By the way, you certainly don't need to stick to the cases I've offered above. The essential question is when, if ever, is it ok to lie? Why?


Personally, think it's ok to lie under certain circumstances such as when doing to protects an innocent person from harm. In fact, I think it might even be morally mandatory to lie in some circumstances.

 

[BSM1]

The real question here, IMHO, is why should you give a duck either way?

 

[Enoch07]

When your wife ask if she looks fat in that dress. That is probably the best time ever to lie!

 

[lewisnotmiller]

When, if ever, is it ok to lie? Why?

Suppose you had a duck that you stole from a farmer and hid in a pen in your basement. Further suppose the farmer came looking for the duck and asked you if you had seen it. Would it be ok to lie to him and say you hadn't seen it? Why or why not?

Suppose you had a duck. Further suppose some tyrant passed a law against ducks for (in your opinion) no good reason, and that, consequently, you hid your duck behind a false wall you built in your kid's room. Last, suppose the duck police came asking if you knew of any ducks in the neighborhood. Would it be ok to lie to them and say you didn't know of any ducks? Why or why not?

Suppose you knew a ninja duck that had once saved your life. Suppose that duck came to you panting and in a hurry and said, "I can't explain right now, but you must hide me!" So you hid him out back behind the very same oak tree where you had once long ago smooched with your hot third cousin, Chris. Presently, Chris, now an officer of the law, comes to you demanding to know if you have seen the duck. Do you tell Chris where the duck who once saved your life is or do you lie to your former smooch-buddy? Why?

Suppose the ninja duck came to you again, only this time, the duck explained that he was being chased because he had assassinated the President who, in your opinion, was a tyrant. When Chris shows up would you lie about your knowledge of the duck? Why? What if, in your opinion, the President wasn't a tyrant, but actually a fairly good person: Would you still conceal the duck from Chris? Why?
​

In all of these cases, I am more concerned with the "whys and why nots" than I am with the mere "yes or nos".

By the way, you certainly don't need to stick to the cases I've offered above. The essential question is when, if ever, is it ok to lie? Why?

The initial response is a simple one. It's okay to lie.

Is it always okay to lie? No. Is it normally okay to lie? No.
But there are certainly occasions when it's not only morally okay, it's morally required.

Limited time to flesh this out, but if I know where some Jews are hiding during WW2 and the SS comes knocking, you best believe that lying is the morally correct and brave action.
The problem is that people lie as a matter of convenience, and that is not okay.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

When, if ever, is it ok to lie? Why?

Suppose you had a duck that you stole from a farmer and hid in a pen in your basement. Further suppose the farmer came looking for the duck and asked you if you had seen it. Would it be ok to lie to him and say you hadn't seen it? Why or why not?

Suppose you had a duck. Further suppose some tyrant passed a law against ducks for (in your opinion) no good reason, and that, consequently, you hid your duck behind a false wall you built in your kid's room. Last, suppose the duck police came asking if you knew of any ducks in the neighborhood. Would it be ok to lie to them and say you didn't know of any ducks? Why or why not?

Suppose you knew a ninja duck that had once saved your life. Suppose that duck came to you panting and in a hurry and said, "I can't explain right now, but you must hide me!" So you hid him out back behind the very same oak tree where you had once long ago smooched with your hot third cousin, Chris. Presently, Chris, now an officer of the law, comes to you demanding to know if you have seen the duck. Do you tell Chris where the duck who once saved your life is or do you lie to your former smooch-buddy? Why?

Suppose the ninja duck came to you again, only this time, the duck explained that he was being chased because he had assassinated the President who, in your opinion, was a tyrant. When Chris shows up would you lie about your knowledge of the duck? Why? What if, in your opinion, the President wasn't a tyrant, but actually a fairly good person: Would you still conceal the duck from Chris? Why?
​

In all of these cases, I am more concerned with the "whys and why nots" than I am with the mere "yes or nos".

By the way, you certainly don't need to stick to the cases I've offered above. The essential question is when, if ever, is it ok to lie? Why?

The only time Id go against my morals and lie is if my life, freedom, and safety where at risk. Otherwise, I see no benefit on keeping the duck given Id be at a disadvantage for keeping it. Money would be a better example, though. Same with money, it would take me longer to let go if my life wasnt in danger. Id probably find a way to give it back to someone who needs it if I deliberarely lied without danger to myself. We have a lot of homeless here. Sometimes I cant give money because Im out far and need it for transport. Other times I only have a card. Best I can muster is Im sorry other times Im honest and say I need it to get back. Some dont believe me but at least I was "honest" about it.

 

[Terese]

Suppose you had a duck that you stole from a farmer and hid in a pen in your basement. Further suppose the farmer came looking for the duck and asked you if you had seen it. Would it be ok to lie to him and say you hadn't seen it?

Why or why not? - It wouldn't be ok, because that would be stealing. I'd only be lying to have the duck for myself, which is selfish.

Suppose you had a duck. Further suppose some tyrant passed a law against ducks for (in your opinion) no good reason, and that, consequently, you hid your duck behind a false wall you built in your kid's room. Last, suppose the duck police came asking if you knew of any ducks in the neighborhood. Would it be ok to lie to them and say you didn't know of any ducks?

Why or why not? - In this instance, i would say yes it is ok to lie, for the ramifications of telling the truth could potentially harm the duck/s.

Suppose you knew a ninja duck that had once saved your life. Suppose that duck came to you panting and in a hurry and said, "I can't explain right now, but you must hide me!" So you hid him out back behind the very same oak tree where you had once long ago smooched with your hot third cousin, Chris. Presently, Chris, now an officer of the law, comes to you demanding to know if you have seen the duck. Do you tell Chris where the duck who once saved your life is or do you lie to your former smooch-buddy?

Why? - I would lie to my former smoocherrino because i owe the ninja duck my life, and so i would very much like to repay that in kind.

Suppose the ninja duck came to you again, only this time, the duck explained that he was being chased because he had assassinated the President who, in your opinion, was a tyrant. When Chris shows up would you lie about your knowledge of the duck? Why? What if, in your opinion, the President wasn't a tyrant, but actually a fairly good person: Would you still conceal the duck from Chris?

Why? - I would lie, because killing the tyrant is a good cause. If the president wasn't a tyrant and Chris showed up, i would tell the truth that i hid the ninja duck because killing a fairly good person is immoral in my book.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

Suppose you had a duck that you stole from a farmer and hid in a pen in your basement. Further suppose the farmer came looking for the duck and asked you if you had seen it. Would it be ok to lie to him and say you hadn't seen it? Why or why not?

For what reason was the duck stolen? If you're starving and have a starving family to feed, there is probably a greater need for this thief to steal the duck and lie about it, compared to a delinquent teen stealing the duck for fun.

Suppose you had a duck. Further suppose some tyrant passed a law against ducks for (in your opinion) no good reason, and that, consequently, you hid your duck behind a false wall you built in your kid's room. Last, suppose the duck police came asking if you knew of any ducks in the neighborhood. Would it be ok to lie to them and say you didn't know of any ducks? Why or why not?

It would be ok, as having the duck harms no one, making this a dumb law. Break it and lie away.

Suppose you knew a ninja duck that had once saved your life. Suppose that duck came to you panting and in a hurry and said, "I can't explain right now, but you must hide me!" So you hid him out back behind the very same oak tree where you had once long ago smooched with your hot third cousin, Chris. Presently, Chris, now an officer of the law, comes to you demanding to know if you have seen the duck. Do you tell Chris where the duck who once saved your life is or do you lie to your former smooch-buddy? Why?

Definitely better to be a liar than a backstabber and a snitch.

Suppose the ninja duck came to you again, only this time, the duck explained that he was being chased because he had assassinated the President who, in your opinion, was a tyrant. When Chris shows up would you lie about your knowledge of the duck? Why? What if, in your opinion, the President wasn't a tyrant, but actually a fairly good person: Would you still conceal the duck from Chris? Why?

I would owe a greater debt to the duck. If this duck saved my life, I would feel obligated to return the favor in this time of need.

 

[Grandliseur]

When, if ever, is it ok to lie? Why?

Suppose you had a duck that you stole from a farmer and hid in a pen in your basement. Further suppose the farmer came looking for the duck and asked you if you had seen it. Would it be ok to lie to him and say you hadn't seen it? Why or why not?

Suppose you had a duck. Further suppose some tyrant passed a law against ducks for (in your opinion) no good reason, and that, consequently, you hid your duck behind a false wall you built in your kid's room. Last, suppose the duck police came asking if you knew of any ducks in the neighborhood. Would it be ok to lie to them and say you didn't know of any ducks? Why or why not?

Suppose you knew a ninja duck that had once saved your life. Suppose that duck came to you panting and in a hurry and said, "I can't explain right now, but you must hide me!" So you hid him out back behind the very same oak tree where you had once long ago smooched with your hot third cousin, Chris. Presently, Chris, now an officer of the law, comes to you demanding to know if you have seen the duck. Do you tell Chris where the duck who once saved your life is or do you lie to your former smooch-buddy? Why?

Suppose the ninja duck came to you again, only this time, the duck explained that he was being chased because he had assassinated the President who, in your opinion, was a tyrant. When Chris shows up would you lie about your knowledge of the duck? Why? What if, in your opinion, the President wasn't a tyrant, but actually a fairly good person: Would you still conceal the duck from Chris? Why?
​

In all of these cases, I am more concerned with the "whys and why nots" than I am with the mere "yes or nos".

By the way, you certainly don't need to stick to the cases I've offered above. The essential question is when, if ever, is it ok to lie? Why?


Personally, think it's ok to lie under certain circumstances such as when doing to protects an innocent person from harm. In fact, I think it might even be morally mandatory to lie in some circumstances.

If you don't believe in a god, you can lie as much as you want to, everybody else does.
As to Christians and believers, it is interesting that the point about lying is controlled also with the problem of who has the right to know. David lied to several times to his enemies. There was no condemnation for this. There were two who lied to someone, God, who had the right to know. They died instantly.

This is a fairly complex problem, we have half truths, i.e. not telling the whole story, we have lies to confound the enemy, OK, we have the straight truth to those who have the right from God to know. I am sure this could be a big philosophical discussion.

 

[BSM1]

When, if ever, is it ok to lie? Why?

Suppose you had a duck that you stole from a farmer and hid in a pen in your basement. Further suppose the farmer came looking for the duck and asked you if you had seen it. Would it be ok to lie to him and say you hadn't seen it? Why or why not?

Suppose you had a duck. Further suppose some tyrant passed a law against ducks for (in your opinion) no good reason, and that, consequently, you hid your duck behind a false wall you built in your kid's room. Last, suppose the duck police came asking if you knew of any ducks in the neighborhood. Would it be ok to lie to them and say you didn't know of any ducks? Why or why not?

Suppose you knew a ninja duck that had once saved your life. Suppose that duck came to you panting and in a hurry and said, "I can't explain right now, but you must hide me!" So you hid him out back behind the very same oak tree where you had once long ago smooched with your hot third cousin, Chris. Presently, Chris, now an officer of the law, comes to you demanding to know if you have seen the duck. Do you tell Chris where the duck who once saved your life is or do you lie to your former smooch-buddy? Why?

Suppose the ninja duck came to you again, only this time, the duck explained that he was being chased because he had assassinated the President who, in your opinion, was a tyrant. When Chris shows up would you lie about your knowledge of the duck? Why? What if, in your opinion, the President wasn't a tyrant, but actually a fairly good person: Would you still conceal the duck from Chris? Why?
​

In all of these cases, I am more concerned with the "whys and why nots" than I am with the mere "yes or nos".

By the way, you certainly don't need to stick to the cases I've offered above. The essential question is when, if ever, is it ok to lie? Why?


Personally, think it's ok to lie under certain circumstances such as when doing to protects an innocent person from harm. In fact, I think it might even be morally mandatory to lie in some circumstances.

I just glad you chose a duck instead of a donkey to steal. You would be lying your *** off otherwise.

 

[Orbit]

When, if ever, is it ok to lie? Why?

Suppose you had a duck that you stole from a farmer and hid in a pen in your basement. Further suppose the farmer came looking for the duck and asked you if you had seen it. Would it be ok to lie to him and say you hadn't seen it? Why or why not?

Suppose you had a duck. Further suppose some tyrant passed a law against ducks for (in your opinion) no good reason, and that, consequently, you hid your duck behind a false wall you built in your kid's room. Last, suppose the duck police came asking if you knew of any ducks in the neighborhood. Would it be ok to lie to them and say you didn't know of any ducks? Why or why not?

Suppose you knew a ninja duck that had once saved your life. Suppose that duck came to you panting and in a hurry and said, "I can't explain right now, but you must hide me!" So you hid him out back behind the very same oak tree where you had once long ago smooched with your hot third cousin, Chris. Presently, Chris, now an officer of the law, comes to you demanding to know if you have seen the duck. Do you tell Chris where the duck who once saved your life is or do you lie to your former smooch-buddy? Why?

Suppose the ninja duck came to you again, only this time, the duck explained that he was being chased because he had assassinated the President who, in your opinion, was a tyrant. When Chris shows up would you lie about your knowledge of the duck? Why? What if, in your opinion, the President wasn't a tyrant, but actually a fairly good person: Would you still conceal the duck from Chris? Why?
​

In all of these cases, I am more concerned with the "whys and why nots" than I am with the mere "yes or nos".

By the way, you certainly don't need to stick to the cases I've offered above. The essential question is when, if ever, is it ok to lie? Why?


Personally, think it's ok to lie under certain circumstances such as when doing to protects an innocent person from harm. In fact, I think it might even be morally mandatory to lie in some circumstances.

It's ok to lie to spare someone's feelings, imo

 

[Skwim]

The only time it's okay to lie is when it serves a greater good. BTW, I get to decide what that greater good is.

 

[YmirGF]

Lying is a basic part of human communication because many times the truth is not appropriate -- nor wanted!

 

[Kuzcotopia]

I just glad you chose a duck instead of a donkey to steal. You would be lying your *** off otherwise.

Or lying to save your ***, depending on the scenario.

 

[taykair]

It is never okay to lie. Lying is a violation of the laws of God and man. It is an abomination. It is never, never, NEVER acceptable to utter a falsehood.

Okay... I'm lying. There are exceptions, of course - ranging from the little white lie which keeps domestic tranquility (No, dear. You look fine in that outfit. Your butt doesn't look oversized at all.) to matters of life and death (No, herr Major. There are no Jews here. We would never hide Jews in our attic.).

It should be noted, though, that an accomplished liar (and now I'm speaking of the liar who does so either out of greed or envy or malice (or, sometimes it seems, just to keep in practice) will often reference the above exceptions in order to excuse his own behavior.

To veer slightly off course: Does anyone here believe that it is sometimes a good thing for a government to lie to its people? (I'm thinking in terms of the so-called "noble lie").

 

[BSM1]

Or lying to save your ***, depending on the scenario.

Good one.

 

[pearl]

1) No. The farmer has a right to know.
2) Yes. One has the right to protest what is conceived to be an unjust law.
3) Yes as you do not have enough info to turn in the duck.
4) No. In doing so you would be compounding a crime.

I think one must seek a higher moral ground. Should the family hiding Ann Frank have been truthful and turned her in? Each situation must be judged by its moral good.

 

[sandy whitelinger]

When, if ever, is it ok to lie? Why?

Suppose you had a duck that you stole from a farmer and hid in a pen in your basement. Further suppose the farmer came looking for the duck and asked you if you had seen it. Would it be ok to lie to him and say you hadn't seen it? Why or why not?

Suppose you had a duck. Further suppose some tyrant passed a law against ducks for (in your opinion) no good reason, and that, consequently, you hid your duck behind a false wall you built in your kid's room. Last, suppose the duck police came asking if you knew of any ducks in the neighborhood. Would it be ok to lie to them and say you didn't know of any ducks? Why or why not?

Suppose you knew a ninja duck that had once saved your life. Suppose that duck came to you panting and in a hurry and said, "I can't explain right now, but you must hide me!" So you hid him out back behind the very same oak tree where you had once long ago smooched with your hot third cousin, Chris. Presently, Chris, now an officer of the law, comes to you demanding to know if you have seen the duck. Do you tell Chris where the duck who once saved your life is or do you lie to your former smooch-buddy? Why?

Suppose the ninja duck came to you again, only this time, the duck explained that he was being chased because he had assassinated the President who, in your opinion, was a tyrant. When Chris shows up would you lie about your knowledge of the duck? Why? What if, in your opinion, the President wasn't a tyrant, but actually a fairly good person: Would you still conceal the duck from Chris? Why?
​

In all of these cases, I am more concerned with the "whys and why nots" than I am with the mere "yes or nos".

By the way, you certainly don't need to stick to the cases I've offered above. The essential question is when, if ever, is it ok to lie? Why?


Personally, think it's ok to lie under certain circumstances such as when doing to protects an innocent person from harm. In fact, I think it might even be morally mandatory to lie in some circumstances.

Any time your asked where are you going or where have you been.

 

[PureX]

When, if ever, is it ok to lie?

I find the notion that should someone demand information of us, we are morally compelled or obliged to give it to them, very odd. How did such a notion become a moral imperative? We don't give people anything else they choose to demand of us, just because they chose to demand it. So why information?

Anyone got any ideas as to why we humans presume this, or how it become "a moral thing"?

 

[YmirGF]

I find the notion that should someone demand information of us, we are morally compelled or obliged to give it to them, very odd. How did such a notion become a moral imperative? We don't give people anything else they choose to demand of us, just because they chose to demand it. So why information?

Anyone got any ideas as to why we humans presume this, or how it become "a moral thing"?

Another part of the problem is that, like with my strange sister, she lies but THINKS she is telling the truth. In that respect, since she is saying what she believes to be true, is she really lying? It took me awhile to realize this with her. The point is demanding people speak truthfully may not actually get you too far as "truth" seems to be a variable depending on whom you are talking to.

 

[InChrist]

The initial response is a simple one. It's okay to lie.

Is it always okay to lie? No. Is it normally okay to lie? No.
But there are certainly occasions when it's not only morally okay, it's morally required.

Limited time to flesh this out, but if I know where some Jews are hiding during WW2 and the SS comes knocking, you best believe that lying is the morally correct and brave action.
The problem is that people lie as a matter of convenience, and that is not okay.

And the problem is also, that too often people lie for self-preservation at the expense of harming the character or life of another. The scriptures indicate that bearing false witness is wrong because it is the kind of lie which harms someone else. Exactly the opposite of the kind of lie by those in WW2 who hid Jews, which protects others.