Truth and Morality

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Truth and Morality
Telling the truth is considered ethical in communications and professions like medicine. It is also a key element for making successful negotiations and even diplomacy. Philosophers like Kant emphasize of moral ethics. His deontological ethical theory is based on the outcomes of actions where something is considered moral if it leads to happiness. However, there are special cases especially at a personal level when not telling the truth or lying is considered moral.
People refuse to disclose truthful information in fear for their as well as other people’s lives. Not telling the truth is motivated by fear of revealing private information. For example, one might be asked the name and whereabouts of someone by a known serial killer and lie in fear of their life. People also conceal private information like families, names, and religion in situations which might lead to harm. In this case, one may use a fictitious identity which is a deliberate deception. This helps an individual to hide their true identity. Lying by using a different identity in order to protect private information is considered morally acceptable. Misinformation is allowed where one asks for private information which belongs to another person (Al-Fedaghi 56). Lying is allowable where it prevents greater harm. However, lying in giving private information is immoral and illegal when it interferes with a social value which is considered valuable in the society like justice.

In conclusion, telling the truth is considered the right thing to do in the society. It is also a professional and organizational value. Happiness is an outcome which forms part of ethics in philosophy. However, there are situations where telling the truth puts the lives of other people in danger. Lying, misinformation and concealing private information in order to protect harm is considered moral.
Works Cited
Al-Fedaghi, Sabah S. “Lying about private information: An ethical justification”. Communications of the IIMA 5.3 (2005): 47-56.