2006-11-25 02:38:16 · 13 answers · asked by Druantia 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
There are two correct answers that are possible depending on your ethical philosophy.
1. If you believe that people should live by a moral code and this code is your duty - which does not consider the outcome of your actions - then the answer is 'Honesty is always the best policy.'
2. If you believe that the correct behaviour is the one that will bring the greatest good to the greatest number - that 'best outcomes' are the guiding principle that should guide a person's acts, then the correct answer is "When lying brings more good to more people, it is preferable to honesty."
;-D If a NAZI came up to you and asked: "Where are they hiding?" Would you tell him, if you knew the answer?
2006-11-25 03:16:27 · answer #1 · answered by China Jon 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you ask religiously,
the answer is whenever
there arises a situation where life of a person is in danger, it is the prime duty to save him/ her or yourself by any means no matter you are being honest or not.
And if you are not that religious,
honesty is not the best policy every time your interests are in danger.
And if you are none of the above,
honesty is never the best policy
2006-11-25 03:01:04 · answer #2 · answered by ♪¢αpη' ε∂ïß♪ ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Honesty is the best policy unless it could so completely destroy another person's life or emotional well being.
Then sometimes it is better to keep it to yourself.
The only problem that could develop is if the person finds out you didn't tell them and they might be hurt by your lack of honesty.
2006-11-25 02:54:47 · answer #3 · answered by pj_gal 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Honesty isn't the best policy when you're being interrogated by Police about the bank you've just robbed, and you know they can't pin a thing on you.
Although I would advise against robbery of any sort - but you did ask "when?"
2006-11-25 04:32:10 · answer #4 · answered by ♥Robin♥ (Scot,UK) 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is only one answer to this question: honesty is always the best policy, no exceptions.
2006-11-25 05:21:06 · answer #5 · answered by colliedug111060 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask Russia, France and China. They have been selling the world a pack of lies for years. Honesty is for the person who respects the persons being dealt with. When there is respect and equal strength it is not hard to be honest. When one is in a far stronger position then being less than honest can get more.
2006-11-25 02:43:05 · answer #6 · answered by mr conservative 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
When all the honesty is doing is just bringing pain.
2006-11-25 02:56:34 · answer #7 · answered by B 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When another's feelings are at stake. For example, if your wife is rambling on about something and then asks if she is boring you, don't say yes, or you'll never hear the end of it. Trust me. I know!
2006-11-25 02:58:00 · answer #8 · answered by Yucks 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Never!! You should always tell the truth even if it means you are going to be burned at the stake or something worse.
2006-11-25 03:15:06 · answer #9 · answered by Smoky! 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
when the outcome of being honest isn't in your best interest
2006-11-25 02:45:58 · answer #10 · answered by ♥ gina ♥ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋