Application Of Ethical Theories : Lying Flashcards
What does Natural Moral Law say against Lying?
> Lying breaches the Primary Precepts to live in an Ordered society.
It contradicts the Secondary precept to not tell lies.
It contravenes the cardinal virtues of courage and saving lives.
Aquinas viewed all forms of lying as wrong, even those intended to save lives.
Does Proportionalism (in NML) agree or disagree with lying?
> In most cases proportionalism would agree that lying is morally wrong however there are some exceptions.
In the case of a “necessary” lie, where the intention would be to save life or protect from harm.
The value of saving life or protecting from harm would be proportionally greater than the dis value of injustice to the person being told the lie.
What does Natural Moral Law say in support of lying?
> It is generally accepted as being included in the ninth or eighth commandment relating to perjury (making a false statement under oath), so it is reinforced by divine law.
Aquinas viewed “prudently keeping back the truth” as morally permissible.
A necessary lie, i.e lying to protect someone from danger is permissible.
What would Situation ethics say about lying?
> Fletcher believed that lying was neither intrinsically right nor intrinsically wrong.
For him, it all depended on what would affirm love in each situation.
If applying the agapeic calculus shower that love would best be served by withholding information, ie telling a ‘white’ lie, then lying would not be the lesser of two evils, it would be positively good.
What does Virtue ethics say in support of Lying?
> In some circumstances, friendship, loyalty and honour might require a lie being told.
The virtue of practical wisdom enables a virtuous person to know which virtue takes priority in difficult situations.
What does Virtue ethics say against lying?
> Lying seems to contradict Aristotles moral virtues of truthfulness and courage .
Truthfulness does have a mean that lies at a variable point between the vices of boastfulness and putting oneself down.
Truthfulness relates to social interaction between one person and another.
- it is about not presenting a false image on oneself to another
- it is about how one fits into society
- it is about keeping promises and honest dealings.
Truthfulness is more complex than merely telling the truth or telling a lie
- it combines a range of virtues
- eg telling the truth requires courage in admitting failings.
