Why is lying immoral if the lie may never cause a single bit of unhappiness?

Question

Like, for example, if the victim (the lied to) is told a lie, and then never finds out that it is a lie, then no harm no foul.

Or perhaps a better way to say it: Lying may not have negative reactions on earth.

I don't lie, people. It's a philisophical question.

Answer 1

This is a good question!

First, I don't think morality has much to do with happiness. Second, I also don't believe that morality is as simple as "always tell the truth" or "never tell a lie". I think there are certainly situations when it might be morally justified to lie, for instance if a lie might actually help someone who needs help but harm no one.

The problem, though, is that it is tempting to justify lying on "moral grounds" when it really is simply the best thing for ourselves. For example, if I resolve that an extra-marital affair I have had is best kept secret because I do not wish to hurt my wife, I might very possibly really be trying to avoid the difficulty I would encounter by revealing the truth.

Because we cannot be sure when we are justifying something to ourselves dishonestly, I really don't think we can morally justify lying to others very often at all.

Xan Shui,
Philosophic Philanthropist, Honest Man

Answer 2

Your question makes you look untrustworthy. Do you consider
that a negative?

You've added that your question is philosophical, that you don't lie.
Then your question is really: "Is it ever moral to lie?"

Absolutely. There are times when lying is the best course of
action. When a lie is beneficial to all concerned, or when the
benefits clearly outweigh the negatives, it can be
considered moral.

Your example, however, only addresses whether the victim
finds out. A lie's not being discovered doesn't make it moral.
That only makes it successful.

Unless there were some good reason for your being lied to,
good for someone other than the liar, you would indeed be
a victim and the lie would be immoral.

Answer 3

Lying in itself is not immoral, but the intent behind lying is generally immoral. There are some cases where technically lying may be the best course of action to protect a life, etc. For instance, were people who lied to protect Jews in hiding in Nazi Germany acting amorally? Probably not.

However, situations such as this are generally rare. Usually the intent behind lying is to protect ones self, achieve some personal gain, etc. The easiest course of action is to lead a moral life, and then let your own moral compass guide you in each situation.

Whether someone "finds out that it is a lie" has no bearing on whether the act is immoral or not. An act of deception is still an act of deception regardless of whether the target realizes it.

If you do find yourself lying often, chances are your deceiving yourself about your intent, and the impact of the lying!

Answer 4

Daljack is right about not compromising ethics and the negative change that occurs when one does.

When one performs an immoral act, it weakens the god spark within, i.e., the soul retrogresses.

For most, this doesn't seem all that important UNTIL one leaves the flesh and experiences a panoramic life review, whereby all the actions in life and all the reactions are seen and felt.

Ultimately, those who lead immoral lives are forced to reside with people who are just as ugly as they are and - by their own actions - cannot ascend into The Light to a spiritual place (at least in the Mid Realms of Spirit) after death.

So striving to live by The Golden Rule and serving others is extremely important to those who desire to find long-term happiness and contentment after their bodies are dust.

Most have to learn this the hard way.

Answer 5

a lie effect u and the one u lie to ...
you become a liar and the one u lied too if he believes u becomes a fool in Ur eyes and if he does not believe u both of u will be hurt u for being called a liar and he for being lied to so as u can see is kind of confusions so save Ur self the head ache and bee an honest person cause no one likes a liar

Answer 6

Just because the person lied to never finds out doesn't mean it didn't harm them. But who says happiness is the basis of morality?

Answer 7

It Depends if the victums lie has a surious effect on the future

Answer 8

Truth, like other things, can be rated as a value. Is it a higher value to tell the truth than to hide the fact from the Gestapo that you have a Jew in your house?

Answer 9

The person telling the lie has now comprised his ethics. He is forever changed.

Answer 10

Because your children become manic depressive.