World Religions

Although not directly related to the media ethics we debated on today, the discussion on slander and libel got me thinking on lieing, or more importantly, if it is ever right. According to some (like Kant) lieing is a sin, and that is that. Though some schools of thought would have us believe that some sins are forgivable if the good outweighs the bad. Although I tend to agree with the latter, lieing still seems wrong. To lie, you withold or change information to get others to do what you want, which feels intrinsically wrong, no matter how good whatever your trying to get someone to do. Taking propaganda, for instance, which inspires men with lies to fuel the war machine. Although it is necessary to go to war, we should not have to lie to get people to go. However, if we do describe it, they will feel a certain advantage to not going. Therefore, conscription, or forcing them to join against their will, would be the moral choice. Unfortunately, no of these are good options, so maybe I should skirt this topic. The government tells lies to us, sugarcoating situations and leaving out the downright unpleasant. However, although it is a temporary fix, these lies are worse in the long run. People will be more devestated when they learn the truth behind your clever smoke screen, and more prone to violent reactions. Again, lying is NOT a good option here. In the end, I’d say, it is actually the only morally reprehensible action in all situations. Murder is one thing, but lying about it is just as sadistic in another fashion

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