Overall I feel that lying is unethical. It is something that one can live without doing but in certain circumstances and depending on what one is lying for,I feel it can be ok. If one tells a little white lie that will not hurt anyone, just help someone else,that is not unethical. On the other hand if one is lying for self gain and if their lie will hurt people in the process, that is unethical.
In the play Much Ado About Nothing, many characters lie both for themselves and for the good of others. Leonato, Claudio and Don Pedro lie to Benedick about Beatrice's feelings towards him. They lead Benedick to believe that Beatrice is in love with him, so that he will be nicer to her and maybe even love her back. "Bait the hook well;this fish will bite" (II.3.102). "He hath t' en th'infection. Hold it up" (II.3.113). The men are talking about how benedick is buying into their lie, but in this case their lie is ok. They are lying for the good of Benedick and Beatrice, and they are trying to help a friend. By lying to Benedick they will not gain anything themselves and they are trying to make everyone happy. Because of the reason they are lying, this is not unethical.
In Act II, scene 2, Don Jon and Borachio are making a plan to stop Claudio and Hero's marriage. Don Jon asks Borachio how to do so and Borachio replies, "Not honestly, my lord, but so covertly that no dishonesty shall appear in me" (II.2.8). Borachio confesses that he will have to lie to break the marriage. In this case, Don Jon and Borachio's lie is unethical because they are doing it only for their own gain, and it will not help anyone else, and it will hurt others.
4 comments:
Lisa I agree with your statements on lying. There is a very fine line between what is just, and what is unethical. I like what you said about "self gain" because I think sometimes that's what really drives people to lie. I agree in your last paragraph that Don Jon and Borachio's lies are unethical because their goal is to eventually hurt someone and tamper with the feelings of two in love. Thoughtful post!
Lise! I would agree with you that lying is unethical. But I also agree that white lies are acceptable if they are for the better for others. And that lies to better ones self are unethical. Very good examples too!
good job i believe that your statements on behalf of lying are unethical. Like you said that there are times when one needs to tell a lie for the bettering of others
lisa i totally agree with your statements.Your examples are also really well thought of.
Megan
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