Ethics of lying
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Let’s get started
with a warm-up
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Find one word or phrase in each set of words/phrases which does not go with the
word ‘lie’.
A. collaborate justify live swallow
B. blatant clean elaborate white
C. convincingly immodestly through one’s teeth under oath
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Let’s check the answers.
A. collaborate justify live swallow
B. blatant clean elaborate white
C. convincingly immodestly through one’s teeth under oath
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Let’s talk!
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Decide whether lying in these situations is justified.
● when receiving a gift
● in a job interview
● when haggling
● when asked by your hair stylist if you like your new haircut
● when invited to a party
● when asked about Santa by a child
● when asked if you liked the food you were served
● when asked by a friend if you like their new partner
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In a moment, you’ll watch a video titled:
Ethical dilemma: Would you lie?
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Watch the first part of the video (to 00:49) and say what you would do in this
situation.
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Watch the second part of the video (from 00:50) and say why lying in the situation
described might be morally wrong.
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Let’s see a possible answer.
Some philosophers think that lying is always morally wrong. Others say that
lying to your friends in this situation would show a lack of respect for them
and their autonomy.
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Look at the approaches to lying mentioned in the video. Pick one and
convince your partner that your approach is the most sensible. Use the
arguments from the video and your own ideas.
● Lying is always immoral, regardless of the circumstances.
● Lying is wrong only when it leads to less happiness overall.
● Every situation involving lying is different and its morality (or lack
thereof) needs to be considered separately.
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Let’s discuss!
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part 1/2
Look at the situations and consider possible actions that would address
the problems described. Then, say which of the actions you would take.
You’ve discovered that a friend of yours is being cheated on
by their spouse, who also happens to be your friend.
You have proof that someone robbed a bank. You also found out that
they gave all the stolen money to charity. You don’t know them personally
but have their name and address.
You are a politician and you believe that your party will make a huge
positive change if they win the election. Your party leader is desperate to
win and has asked you to make some empty promises to voters.
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part 2/2
Look at the situations and consider possible actions that would address
the problems described. Then, say which of the actions you would take.
There is an ‘honesty box’ in your office. Whenever someone takes a snack,
they need to leave the money for it in the box. But you have noticed that
one of your colleagues takes snacks and doesn’t leave any money.
A drunk colleague tells you they have embezzled some company money.
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Let’s think!
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Choose two of the sayings and think of real-life situations in which they
would be true.
● ‘Honesty is the best policy.’
● ‘If you want to be trusted, be honest.’
● ‘A half-truth is a whole lie.’
● ‘The truth may hurt for a little while, but a lie hurts forever.’
● ‘Things built on a lie eventually crumble and fall.’
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Extra task
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THANKS!
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