What is morally lying?

Asked by: Ernest Hane  |  Last update: November 9, 2023
Score: 4.8/5 (27 votes)

Depending on the moral theory used, lying in special circumstances (for example, “white” lies or lies that benefit others or avert harm) might be morally justifiable. Other lies, as lying about one's age in order to get access to age-restricted goods, are most often immoral.

What is the morality of lying?

Lies are morally wrong, then, for two reasons. First, lying corrupts the most important quality of my being human: my ability to make free, rational choices. Each lie I tell contradicts the part of me that gives me moral worth. Second, my lies rob others of their freedom to choose rationally.

Can lying be morally correct?

Many deemed it acceptable to lie to people who were emotionally fragile, near death, or would be confused by the truth. They also found it more ethical to lie when doing so would help others save face in public or concentrate on something important.

Is lying ever morally permissible while lying can be seen as?

Is lying ever morally permissible? While lying can be seen as a threat to civil society, there seem to be several instances in which lying seems the most intuitively moral option.

What mental illness is associated with lying?

This behavior can be part of a personality disorder such as antisocial, narcissistic, and histrionic. Other conditions, such as borderline personality disorder, may also lead to frequent lies, but these aren't considered pathological. Also, some people simply lie pathologically but have no other conditions.

Ethical dilemma: Would you lie? - Sarah Stroud

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What personality disorder is associated with pathological lying?

Pathological lying is a possible symptom of certain personality disorders, including: borderline personality disorder (BPD) narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) antisocial personality disorder (APD)

What is lying with good intentions?

Some people who lie often do so with good intentions. We call these "white lies", or lies that occur when the person wants to avoid causing someone else pain. A husband may lie to spare his wife's feelings, or a father may lie to avoid his child's tears.

Is lying being toxic?

Lying. Dishonesty degrades the foundation of all relationships, mutual trust. Philosopher Immanuel Kant believed if everyone lied, nobody would believe anything they were told! Lying is toxic since it is self-defeating. Striving for truth in our relationships with others shows we care about their desires and choices.

What does the Bible say about lying?

One of the seven deadly sins God hates is a lying tongue (Proverbs 6:16-17). Here is why God hates lying. A person who lies hates the individual they are lying to (Proverbs 26:28). And if you hate another human being, God views the hater as a murderer (1 John 3:15; 1 John 4:20).

What is the karma of lying?

Lying distorts the Mental Perception, the Inner Perception of other people. The karmic fruit of this is that one's mental perception will be distorted.

How to get someone to believe you when you are telling the truth?

Don't over-context the truth.

The most believable way to say something is to be direct about it. Don't muddy the issue with adjectives, excuses, mitigating circumstances, your preferred spin, and the like. We believe people who state the facts, and let us uncover the context for ourselves.

Is it morally right to tell the truth?

Moral Obligation to Tell the Truth

Some ethicists call for basic principles or values of lucidity, veracity, and honesty. Another line of reasoning is more “utilitarian”: truth-telling just works out best for everyone in the end (“honesty is the best policy”).

What lies are acceptable?

They're minor evasions told to avoid hurting someone's feelings or to avoid conflict. For example, you say “Of course, I'm not angry you were 40 minutes late.” Behavioral experts seem to agree that these “white lies” are acceptable in moderation to preserve social harmony.

What are 3 consequences of lying?

Some of the consequences of lying are:

Nobody will believe you. 2) If someone lies to you and you find out, you will be hurt. So, you should understand that in the same token if you tell a lie, it hurts others. 3) You may have to say more lies to cover up one lie.

What are the three ways of lying?

The three most commonly referred to are lies of commission, lies of omission, and lies of influence, aka character lies. The reading below neatly summarizes these and provides some examples.

Is lying gaslighting?

Lying, by itself, does not necessarily amount to gaslighting or psychological control in its truest sense. The person will have to do more, e.g., intentionally try to distort your memory, sense of reality, or cause you to question your emotional stability. Elements of deception are involved, similar to lying.

Is lying about something gaslighting?

Gaslighting is similar to lying and a gaslighter may even do it for the same reasons, but they will also be attempting to confuse the other person by flipping a situation and putting the blame onto them, making them doubt their perception of events and second guess themselves.

Is lying part of narcissism?

Narcissists also lie to make others feel sorry for them. They are out to abuse others. They exploit the natural desire of many people to help their fellow man. Furthermore, they use deception, sometimes a spark of truth, to create a plethora of fabricated problems.

Is it okay to lie for good purpose?

While honesty is usually the best policy, it is okay to lie to protect yourself or someone else. Such lies can help ensure your safety in the moment until you are in a safer situation.

What are the two main types of lies?

There are two primary ways to lie: to conceal and to falsify. In concealing, the liar withholds some information without actually saying anything untrue. In falsifying, an additional step is taken. Not only does the liar withhold true information, but one presents false information as if it were true.

Does intent matter in a lie?

And, yes…lies of omission (intentionally withholding information) are deception, too. But, intent is a key ingredient here. Intent differentiates between a “hard-to-overlook” deception and an “easy-to-forgive” honest mistake. If you provide inaccurate or false information that you believed to be true, you did not lie.

Why do liars get angry when confronted?

If they feel that someone closes in on their lies and raises questions, liars tend to get angry and defensive. Even if no one is outright accusing them, they have an overblown reaction due to their fear of being caught. It also acts as a distraction and helps take the spotlight off their lies.

What hurts a borderline?

A person with BPD is highly sensitive to abandonment and being alone, which brings about intense feelings of anger, fear, suicidal thoughts and self-harm, and very impulsive decisions. When something happens in a relationship that makes them feel abandoned, criticized, or rejected, their symptoms are expressed.