> Lying is a loose concept. Is it lying if I believe it is true? Is it lying if it's just an omission of truth?
I think what underlies this discussion are assumptions that lying is, by default, unethical and that we can trust truth-telling to be beneficial. I have found that neither of these things are factual.
Truths can be devastatingly harmful with no discernible benefit. I have found this outcome more likely when one assumes truth is a moral high-ground, while disregarding the well being of the person on the receiving end.
This led me to conclude that honesty is a poor goal, in and of itself. It is at best a tool, that often requires consideration and compassion to yield a positive outcome.
Much of the same can be said for lying. It isn't the opposite of truthing so much as it is a different tool. Wielded like a blunt weapon, it's harms are legendary. Used with precision, with empathy and with wise consideration of larger outcomes - lying can be used to smooth over small rough spots and avoid large disasters.
In short, it isn't uncommon for lying to be the most ethical of our choices.
...after all, in the end is not truth most situations are about, but power. Tell the truth, you're exposed, vulnerable. Tell something else - a lie sometimes - and the balance of power is restored. For good or bad, who am I to judge.
> Truths can be devastatingly harmful with no discernible benefit.
I completely and utterly disagree with this statement, but I want to try to see how you personally parse this out, so give me an example where this might be the case, if you would.
I think what underlies this discussion are assumptions that lying is, by default, unethical and that we can trust truth-telling to be beneficial. I have found that neither of these things are factual.
Truths can be devastatingly harmful with no discernible benefit. I have found this outcome more likely when one assumes truth is a moral high-ground, while disregarding the well being of the person on the receiving end.
This led me to conclude that honesty is a poor goal, in and of itself. It is at best a tool, that often requires consideration and compassion to yield a positive outcome.
Much of the same can be said for lying. It isn't the opposite of truthing so much as it is a different tool. Wielded like a blunt weapon, it's harms are legendary. Used with precision, with empathy and with wise consideration of larger outcomes - lying can be used to smooth over small rough spots and avoid large disasters.
In short, it isn't uncommon for lying to be the most ethical of our choices.