The Dangers of Absolutism 623.3
The world of ethics spreads from the borders of the absolutists, who think every moral question has a clear and single answer, to the coast of the relativists, who believe ethics is a matter of personal opinion or regional custom.
In distinguishing right from wrong, absolutists don’t see much of a difference between mathematical calculation and moral reasoning. They’re extraordinarily confident about their ethical judgments, which can range from uncompromising commitment to truth, responsibility, and authority of law to ideas about religious beliefs, abortion, premarital sex, protecting whales, and even body piercing and breastfeeding. Although absolutism is often associated with conservatism, radical liberals can be just as rigid.
While absolutists are less likely to rationalize or fall into the traps of situational ethics, they can become disrespectfully intolerant of other perspectives. Although they can be highly honorable, a "no exceptions" approach to principles like truthfulness can lead to undesirable results. If one insists that all lying is wrong, there is no moral difference between lying to collect insurance and lying to a 3-year-old about the tooth fairy, falsely praising a gift, or going undercover to catch drug dealers.
While I share the absolutists’ disdain for those who constantly find excuses to lie, cheat, or break promises, I face too many situations in life where my deeply held convictions conflict. Sometimes telling the absolute truth is so unkind or disrespectful that it isn’t morally required.
This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.
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Comments
As I understand, a lie is a lie and it is always a sin. The only time when God does not exact punishment is when a lie saves a life (or lives). There are well-known examples in the Bible as well as in modern times when this is indeed the case. For example, see the Christian Ethics book by Norman Geisler.
An absolute truth being told in LOVE is never unkind and/or disrespectful.
Posted by: roque szeto | June 19, 2009 5:47 AM
Regarding telling of truth or untruth, one thing the absolutists often miss is the actual meaning of the scriptural commandment on lying given by God to Moses in Exodus 20. It states: "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." The key concept is "against." It is wrong to use untruth to harm another. But to argue that it's wrong to perpetuate the myth of Santa Claus or the tooth fairy, to cover up one's disappointment in a gift, or to go undercover as a law enforcement officer is absurd and against the Golden Rule, not to mention common sense.
Posted by: Paul M. | June 19, 2009 9:04 AM
Blog poster Roque talks about absolute truth. What is that? If I think someone looks unattractive in their new outfit, isn't that just my opinion? Am I obligated to share that personal belief with the other person? Blog poster Paul M. has really gotten to the absolute truth of the matter - lying to hurt others is a sin. Lying to save a life or to avoid being unkind is entirely different. In the Jewish religion, there is a concept known as "shalom beit": peace in the home. In order to maintain peace or harmony in the home, it is acceptable to tell white lies to one's spouse. An example might be if your husband and mother don't get along. You are on the phone with your mother and after you hang up your husband asks what your mother said. You would not tell your husband your mother asked what your good-for-nothing husband was doing to put food on the table. You might tell him your mother inquired as to how his new job was coming along.
Posted by: stephanie | June 19, 2009 11:26 AM
Paul M quotes, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor."
Isn’t the key concept “neighbor,” not “against?” I guess that depends on your definition of neighbor, doesn’t it? Does that mean I can lie to anyone who does not live nearby? How far must one live to not be considered a neighbor? Can I lie to my family as long as they aren’t my neighbor? Isn’t it interesting that such a simple phrase can be interpreted different ways.
Roque szeto says, “A lie is a lie and it is always a sin.”
He obviously believes an undercover cop is doomed to Hell for his sins -- unless he told the criminals the lie with LOVE. Then he’s okay. And I guess Roque would be okay if a loved one died because an undercover cop wouldn’t lie.
You are both the absolutists that today’s commentary was about. And the sad thing is, you don’t realize it. It’s like that paraphrase from the movie The Sixth Sense: “I see dumb people. They’re everywhere. And they don’t even know they’re dumb.”
Posted by: James | June 19, 2009 1:18 PM
It must be tempered with common courtesy and common sense.
Posted by: JC | June 19, 2009 2:47 PM
James, I would say you are the one who doesn't get it. In the Bible, your neighbor is everyone you meet. It can be your neighbor in the line at the store, your neighbor in your community, your neighbor while sitting in church, etc. And no, this is NOT my interpretation but the way God intended it. Just ask Him.
Posted by: Karen | June 22, 2009 8:15 AM
Karen:
You missed the point. It wasn't about defining neighbor or anything else. It was pointing out the absurdity of absolutists speaking about a commentary on the dangers of absolutism. But your answer does make me wonder how you would treat Adolf Hitler, Jeffery Dahmer or Tiffany Toribio if they were standing behind you in the 10 items or less line at the local S&P.
Posted by: James | June 24, 2009 12:55 PM