In class we talked about Noble Lies, which are lies for the good of the people. Already the definition can confuse people because a lie is normally not seen as something that is good. Lying is considered a sin in some religions. But this isn't just a lie to make us look better, or saying your brother is the one who broke the lamp while yall were running in the house when it was really you. No this is lying to protect the good of the people or person. Its like telling kids that Santa is real, we tell them that so they can have a wild imagination and have Christmas spirit. So they are good, or try to be, so Santa will bring them presents. Or the Easter Bunny, who comes on Easter and hid eggs. How eggs and a rabbit got put together I don't know. "Leave your tooth under your pillow and the tooth fairy will leave money," we've all been told this one or have told this one. A little fairy that comes solely to take your tooth and leave you with money or goodies.
Yes these are good examples of Noble Lying, but lets go bigger. When something tragic happens to the nation the president doesn't say everything about it or things that the government knows because not everyone needs to know that. Sometimes its so the people do not go into havoc and run crazy freaking out about something that could happen but probably won't. The media gets what the military wants the people to know. When an enemy is taken out, who accomplished the mission is never released, mainly to protect those who were on said mission.
To tie all this up, Noble Lies protect people, help people and can make peoples lives better. Noble lies do not really "save" the person or group saying it more than it is for the people or person it is directed too. I think Noble Lies are a good thing.
I would have to disagree with you because it does not matter how you address a lie, It is still going to be a lie. I strongly whole heartedly agree with telling the truth nothing but the truth. Lie are what keeps us in bonds , chains, and blinded to what is really real and to what is really not, the truth is what make us free I'm talking about what is on the inside if you have a heart of conscious. If we accept NOBLEI LIES then what is the purpose of us teaching our children to tell the truth and nothing but the whole truth, this is what Socrates spoke about if your real on the inside then you wouldn't have to fake it till you make it.
ReplyDeleteTo take a step back, maybe we need to define lying. Is withholding the truth always considered lying? So if someone asks how my day was and I say " Fine" instead of saying I spilled coffee on myself, was late for class because I was stuck in traffic etc., is that lying? Dr. Johnson said it could be an example of a noble lie but I have always seen it as a form of etiquette where depending on your relationship with the person depends on your answer. I believe fine is acceptable and truthful, because you are "Fine" whatever that means. I agree with Timeka, however, that it is important to tell the truth, because we can not decide what other people deserve to know.
ReplyDeleteI think there is a difference between lying when you're asked a direct question and saying that it is in the best interest of the public for the not to know. As far as Santa and the Easter bunny goes, those are lies, though I wouldn't call them "noble". Christmas was supposed to be about Jesus's birth and now it is a consumer holiday where kids selfishly desire gifts and rewards for being a decent person all year. I do think it is more fun to participate in the holidays, but I wouldn't say that the idea of it was noble.
I would have to agree to disagree. Mostly for the reason that I see where you are coming from. Sometimes people lie to protect the ones that they love rather than themselves. However, I still think that honesty is better than lying despite the situation. How are we as individuals supposed to decide what someone should know and what they should not know. The most fair thing is to be honest and let them know all the facts rather than protecting someone who may not want to be protected.
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