If an known axe murderer knocked on your door and asked if you had his axe and you knew full well his axe was in your shed a few feet away, would you:
A) Stick to the principle that one should never lie and tell him the truth, or
B) Not say anything or say 'not going to tell you' or 'none of your business' or avoid telling a lie without admitting the truth, or
C) Lie?
If you answered A or B, could you tell me why telling the truth is so important that telling it - or not denying it - is more important than possible risk to life?
If you answered C, could you tell me what factors should inform me when a lie is acceptable that I might generally apply to a wide range of real life circumstances?
2007-05-27 22:47:47 · 25 answers · asked by tuthutop 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
c) lie.
There are certain occasions when telling a lie is infinitely preferable to telling the truth. The example you have given is just one, where telling the truth is likely to cause greater harm than telling a lie. I also would always tell a lie rather than hurt someone else's feelings eg if someone asked if I liked their hair cut I would aways say 'yes' even if I hated it. I would however try and persuade them tactfully not to wear something that would make them look totally ridiculous. If a lie is with the intention of deceit, dishonesty or for your own gain (other than saving your life, as in your example) then it is wrong. If it is with the intention of sparing someone's feelings or preventing great harm then it is OK.
2007-05-27 23:01:00 · answer #1 · answered by KB 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Religion gives you lots of "rules" on these things, but at the end of the day, you have to be comfortable with what you are doing.
Your example is bad because if you don't give the axe murderer his axe back, unless he is extremely poor, he will go and buy another one!
If you knew someone was hiding behind a bush, and someone asked you where they were because they wanted to kill them, would you tell the murderer? I think that is the kind of example that shows there is no hard and fast rule about lying. Sometimes it will cause more harm than good, others it will be the opposite, which one do you want to do?
2007-05-28 05:58:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Under such circumstances, I would consider the truth of the situation and apply the principle of truth instead of trying to apply the principle of whole truth only partially. The truth of the situation is that the I am not sure about the consequence if I speak the truth, I therefore am not obliged to impart vital information to a person who I am sure is a potential killer. To kill is to be in league with falsehood, falshood to life and its values, therefore within the situation that is false I would not invest any truth. I would hide information for the purpose of good.
2007-05-28 10:42:07 · answer #3 · answered by Shahid 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My question is why would you answer your door to a known axe murderer and what the F*** are the police doing letting a known axe murderer walk the streets! Also why would I have a known axe murderer's axe! Never mind lying this place you have me living is pretty messed up! Think I'll move! BYE BYE
2007-05-28 08:28:51 · answer #4 · answered by twistedshower 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It`s a strange question!
If the man is a `known axe murderer` how come he`s not in gaol? And why should his axe be in your shed?
It`s OK to tell a white lie to protect someone from the truth if the truth will hurt them emotionally, criminal activities aside.
I once told the truth and it landed me in gaol.
The Judge asked me if I had robbed the bank and I said, "Yes." and got 15 years!!
2007-05-28 07:10:45 · answer #5 · answered by Montgomery B 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There is an ancient Tamil saying (by poet-saint Tiru Valluvar):
"A lie becomes truth, when it results in unconditional good."
Thought the described situation seems involved, answering the implied query, the answer is a loud C.
2007-05-28 09:02:01 · answer #6 · answered by A.V.R. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you followed the utilitarian principle of 'the greatest good for the greatest number' then lying to the axe murderer may save lives if he were to go on a killing spree. However, if you were lying for any reason other than this (say to cover up for the fact that you nicked his axe) then it would be unacceptable
2007-05-28 06:04:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think the only time it's right to lie is when my wife asks if I've been playing about with the girl at work again.
I told the truth before & it got us nearly axed to death. Never again.
2007-05-28 06:28:10 · answer #8 · answered by pooped_over 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
(-: I would lie, shut the door and call the police!
An acceptable lie: 1) should harm no one. 2) should actually help someone, if possible.
I think it's stupid to go around lying just because "hey, it's not harming anyone." Hard to keep track. But if it actually helps someone and makes their life better, maybe it's the decent thing to do.
(-: If you find your judgement is a bit whiffy, though, you better stick to telling the truth.
2007-05-28 05:58:54 · answer #9 · answered by Madame M 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Using your common sense comes into play in these circumstances. It is not good to lie willy nilly however if it protects people physically or emotionally then surely then its ok. Big whopper lies are never acceptable and good parenting and rolemodels have a duty to ensure the next generation of adults understand these values
2007-05-28 05:54:25 · answer #10 · answered by xgawgousx 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋