Ethics of Lying
Barbara J. Safford-Garrett
PHL 316
Final Part 1
People are always talking about the “little white lie” and how this kind of lying doesn't hurt other people. Others feel that any lie, is just that, a lie, and should not be made. No matter what individuals have to say about lies, they always take away from someone. It may seem small at the time and harmless but beware; even the smallest of lies can kill the biggest truth. Like in the story…just imagine that firm is found out they could have a hundred accounts but if they lie about even the smallest one they compromise all the accounts they hold. Defining Honesty Winston Churchill once said, "Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened." Everyone has in mind that honesty is being truthful in everything. Honesty is the most important thing a person should possess. He should adhere to till his death. Then others will respect you and the feeling of that type of respect is priceless. Even in the corporate world a small fudging of the paperwork could have major ramifications, not only for the one who decided to do it, but the company as a whole. Johnathan was promoted possibly based on his actions and work in the accounting department, and now he has a huge ethical dilemma to start out his new position with. What better way to start then cleaning out all the dirt and old ways. Johnathan has a moral obligation to the company and to himself to be honest and forthcoming with his decisions. Even if that decision means that someone he now works with may lose their job. They knew what they were doing when they fudged the numbers and made a decision to do so. If it was an honest mistake that can be understood but the fact that everyone is turning a blind eye leads me to believe that they are all in on it and should be reprimanded for their behavior and their part.
PHL 316
Final Part 1
People are always talking about the “little white lie” and how this kind of lying doesn't hurt other people. Others feel that any lie, is just that, a lie, and should not be made. No matter what individuals have to say about lies, they always take away from someone. It may seem small at the time and harmless but beware; even the smallest of lies can kill the biggest truth. Like in the story…just imagine that firm is found out they could have a hundred accounts but if they lie about even the smallest one they compromise all the accounts they hold. Defining Honesty Winston Churchill once said, "Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened." Everyone has in mind that honesty is being truthful in everything. Honesty is the most important thing a person should possess. He should adhere to till his death. Then others will respect you and the feeling of that type of respect is priceless. Even in the corporate world a small fudging of the paperwork could have major ramifications, not only for the one who decided to do it, but the company as a whole. Johnathan was promoted possibly based on his actions and work in the accounting department, and now he has a huge ethical dilemma to start out his new position with. What better way to start then cleaning out all the dirt and old ways. Johnathan has a moral obligation to the company and to himself to be honest and forthcoming with his decisions. Even if that decision means that someone he now works with may lose their job. They knew what they were doing when they fudged the numbers and made a decision to do so. If it was an honest mistake that can be understood but the fact that everyone is turning a blind eye leads me to believe that they are all in on it and should be reprimanded for their behavior and their part.