The Truth about Lying

Lying has its own truth that is only known by the one lying. The truth is usually considered to be a virtue in the society while lying is highly convicted as an immoral act that affects the interactions between persons. However, it is widely accepted that that standard lies are part of life. This norm is not rejected in the society today as long as the lies are not aimed at generating self-gains. There are four different unique lies that dominates the modern society but rather than how lying leads to destruction, this lies work in enhancing relationships and making individuals interactions steadier. Harris (2013) brings out a rather controversial subject because to most people there are no safe or beneficial lies because lying is unethical. However, no one can deny the fact that lying is prevalent in the society. The lies are classified into protective, peacekeeping, social and protective lying. The objective of writing the essay was not to support that lying is good but to demonstrate the suitability of each in varying situations. The author utilizes the controversy in order to trigger thoughts and the use of simplified terms to allow the readers to gain an understanding of the subject by backing up claims with real-life examples.

Lying is inevitable when carrying out daily operations. Lies are utilized for different intentions which leads to the classification of positive and undesirable lies. Lying that is driven by the motive to only benefit self is referred as immoral while lying in order to protect or guard relationships is positive because the intention is not a selfish one (Harris, 2013). Lying is sometimes justified if the motives are grounded in rationality. The author engages her audience by asking rhetorical questions that aim at triggering thoughts since everyone has a lying encounter. Harris (2013) holds that lying is one of the most complex aspects of life because those that lies are haunted by their decision and it is not something that is planned rather it emerges based on situations. Lying creates a moral complexity since people understand that lies are not good. The author offers sufficient and well-organized claims. All the supplied facts are appropriate and adequate for justifying the raised claims. This is mainly supported by the real examples that are common to everyone that generates the truth about the arguments.

The subject is very informative because it creates awareness and familiarity with the lying subject. In that, the author begins by highlight what is known about lies and transitions to the unknown thus making the discussion a credible one. In that Harris (2013) argues that lying can be effective and morally justified when utilized in varying situations that demand the response. Harris (2013) notes that lies can protect people and cause no harm only when used accordingly. However, lies are in most cases harmful because those that are being protected develop the impression that since the truth was hidden from them, then the motive was not ethical.  For instance, one might consistently offer lies to someone close on the ground that finding the truth will hurt them more but at the end mistrust and weak works dominate. This counterclaim demonstrates that both sides of lying hold their benefits and harm and thus it is the responsibility of every person to make informed decisions. Lying is not something that is taught or observed but in most cases, it develops based on an individual’s choices. In that morals must be fully incorporated in deciding since the selection has effects on all those that are involved. The fact that Harris (2013) essay utilizes a persuasive strategy in detailing the description shows that so much has to be considered. Through the approach, the views regarding the subject are provided but also creates an opportunity for people to be individualistic in such choices.

Most individuals believe that social lies are acceptable and required. Every person is fueled by the desire of fitting in within certain social setting and since perfection is something that is unachievable lies will create an enabling environment. In maintaining relationships these lies are a necessity. Without such responses relationships are likely to end aggressively thus creating damages. Lying socially means that an individual is courageous enough to guard others from petty embarrassment and pain. This means that one has to oppose their standards to guard their social relationships. On the other hand, peacekeeping lying is mainly intended on compromising, avoiding any form of arguments or conflicts (Mearsheimer, 2011). In that the lies creates a form of shelter from pain or being accused as the source of the incurred loses. This lie is very rationalized, planned and organized to suit the needs of everyone. In this context, it feels wrong that the other person has to be pushed away from the truth but the fact that peace and stability is achieved equalizes the norm. for instance, if one gets to work late based on the fact that they overslept, it is apparent that they will lie that something very urgent came up to protect themselves and to ensure that the other party is not irritated.

Protective lies are very common in general since they seek to guard others. These refer to the lies that one will tell based on the conviction that the truth is more destructive (Žižek, 2006). In this case, lying is influenced by the fact that some values are more important when compared to the moral wrong that is associated with lying (Saul, 2012).This lie is positive and it leads to no harm because it is not aimed at offering any personalized gain but the act is more appropriate since it mainly benefits the person that is being lied to. In that, while lying the existing trust is preserved thus maintaining healthy relationships. Trust keeping lies, on the other hand, are entangled because they involve having to lie to an individual on behalf of another based on the made promise that one will never betray their trust. In this case, the liar becomes involved in the act which affects trust when the person realizes that he was the only one who was kept away from the truth.

In summing up, it is evident that lying is a common norm in the modern society and is inevitable. Lying is usually influenced by different reasons and intentions. The lies that seek to fulfill personal needs are accounted as unethical while lying to protect others and self from hurt, conflict, and arguments are justified. Lying is a moral wrong and thus making the decision to lie means that the situation must be thoroughly evaluated. In this context, it is evident that lies can be positive and damaging at the same time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reference

 

Harris, S. (2013). Lying. [Opelousas, Louisiana]: Four Elephants Press.

Mearsheimer, J. J. (2011). Why leaders lie: The truth about lying in international politics. New York: Oxford University Press.

Saul, J. M. (2012). Lying, misleading, and what is said: An exploration in philosophy of language and in ethics. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Žižek, S. (2006). The parallax view. Cambridge, Mass: MIT Press.