Hearts of the City / Exploring attitudes and issues behind the news
A rotating panel of experts from the worlds of philosophy, psychology and religion offer their perspectives on the dilemma that come with living in Southern California.
Today’s question: “The philosopher Immanuel Kant said that all lies are immoral and that there is no rational basis whatever for telling a lie. Is it ever OK to lie?”
*
Father Thomas P. Rausch, Chairman of the department of theology, Loyola Marymount University
If by a lie one understands the deliberate attempt to deceive someone who has a right to the truth from us, then every lie is immoral. Truth is precious; it is always to be cherished. Without it, we lack integrity as individuals, our relationships are built on sand, and our public or political discourse is no more than rhetoric. A reputation for deceitfulness, once gained, is hard to shake. But not every untruth is a lie. To tell the stranger at the door that no one is home is to say that no one is home to you. The message is understood.
*
The Rev. Nobuaki Hanaoka, Pastor of Epworth United Methodist Church, Berkeley
Every lie has some harmful effects. It violates our sense of trust and moral integrity. A lie usually creates a cycle of lies. If you tell one, you would have to tell another to cover it up. You would soon be living a life full of lies. If you lie to save your face or your interest, it violates your sense of honor. A lie may be permissible only when it benefits all. However, there aren’t many situations in which it is the only option beneficial to all. If you think hard enough, you will always find a better way, a way of truthfulness, which keeps you free from the never-ending cycles of lies.
*
Rachel Adler, theologian and Jewish feminist with doctorate in social ethics who teaches at Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles.
When the Nazi commandant asks, “Any Jews hidden in this cellar?” Kant’s critics argue that the moral response is to lie. A lie is the kindest answer to: “Isn’t she a beautiful baby?” or “We hope you had a good time at our party.” But nobody wants to be lied to. Lies from government officials and communications media poison public trust and undermine the democratic process. Lying distances us from our intimates. Even compassionate lies can be disresectful. Telling a terminally ill patient she’ll be fine assumes that she is incompetent to confront her death.