Free Essay On Honesty

Ethical values of honesty are often debatable in modern parlance. On one hand, there is our conscience that constantly guides our morality; on the other hand, there are numerous obligations to meet the ever-increasing competition in professional life and society. As one strives to meet these daily demands, is it not always possible to be judgmental and profess the truth. Questioning whether it is ethical to lie is futile. Ethics is based on our individuality, which is often shaped by our upbringing, culture, and society. It is understandable that lying is a form of deception, dupery and pretense, but often one lies without any noxious intent. Often, lying has saved relationships; it has benefitted businesses.
Honesty is supposedly an idealistic approach; but, in a complex world with diverse choices, perfectionism is rare. Humans have few moral considerations that must be abided to prevent the destruction of faith in one other. Lying is bad as the sustenance of truth is above everything else. In a deceptive environment, people cannot trust each other, and it affects them professionally and personally. The possible impact of lies, the circumstances and relationship of the liar with the victim determines whether such lies can be tolerated. Sissela Bok in her book Lying: Moral Choice in Public and Private Life voices her dilemma about the justification behind lying. She claims that lying can severely harm people, but; it can also do real good.
Trivial lies can lead to serious cheating. Men cheat on their wives/ girlfriends; business partners cheat over greed; students cheat during exams. So, does that mean all cheaters are non-acceptable? A man or a woman who isn’t happy with her partner might cheat. They are unable to come out of the messy situation because of several issues: financial, societal, or they are concerned that such truth might harm their children. Students that faces difficulty in studies, but cannot have an open discussion about his/her problems and anxieties, might cheat to avoid being bullied over low grades. If businessmen opt for absolute truth, they run risk of incurring massive losses. Lying might be interpreted to mislead others, but mostly it is an attempt to safeguard one’s self-interests. Though honesty is the best way to keep up the momentum of goodness and purity, but lies or deception are hidden actors in every individual. There are utilitarian ethicists that believe judging the morality of lying is dependent upon whether it enhances benefits or reduces animosities. Utilitarian label these as noble lies.
Lying is an irreconcilable aspect in human society that has no ethical reasoning. Humans are imperfect and lie catapult such imperfections into bigger flaws. Liars gradually lose track of the consequences of their actions. It inflicts an urge to opt for easier ways and reject traditions and honest paths. Lies prevent a child from realizing the tangibility of real life. Rosy glasses get smothered soon, and what remain are false hopes and aspirations devoid of any base. Honoring the non-existent is foolish and clinging to dreams that are just an oasis, is simply baseless. Such flimsy issues can irreparably damage or harm human psychology. When humans come face-to-face with the reality, depression grips them. It impedes successful growth of mind, body and soul. Except for obvious gains and benefits, deception is immoral. Though this controversy does not have any ultimatum, but everyone praises goodness, and it keeps up the hope of a friendly society.