They lack the distinctly human faculty of rational choice.
Choose, they do; reason, they do not. - Raymond Pfeifer
I will not tell a willful lie to save the souls of the whole world. - John Wesley
A lie is also a useful thing. - Japanese Proverb
In Business Ethics, Gene Ahner reminds us why ethical dilemmas are so common. Referencing Rushworth Kidder's How Good People Make Tough Choices, identifying and becoming aware of the four fundamental patterns can assist us towards resolving ethical dilemmas. Since the world is not divided into abstract entities that can be logically separated into neat mental boxes; words and distinctions can be helpful in complex situations for identifying patterns. They can help us identify dilemmas and easily recognize that the issue is not right versus wrong, but right versus right.
Can two obvious values, truth and loyalty, really be at odds with one another. Aren't we taught to always tell the truth; that "Honest is the best policy"; "Only the truth will make you free". Aren't we also instructed that "A friend in need is a friend indeed". The value of loyalty to family and friends is paramount.
Truth, seen as honesty, integrity, candor, is the foundation for trust; and trust the foundation of all relationships Loyalty, though it may not be a statement of fact, it is an intimate personal commitment of allegiance, responsibility, promise-keeping. It's this clashing of values that cause these internal conflicts.
Your best friend brags to you about taking supplies home from the office. The next day the boss asks you point-blank, "Did your friend do it?" What do you say?
To get away from an abusive relationship you seek refuge at a neighbor's home. There's a knock and your neighbor opens the door, "Is she here hiding in your house?", they are asked. Hearing the question, don't you hope that they put loyalty above truth; at least this once.
You learn that a friend has been implicated in some financial irregularities at work. After a careful audit and investigation, though there is some doubt about his actual complicity, your friend is let go from his job. Now unemployed he comes to you asking for a letter of reference. Truth compels you to describe him as being financially risky. Loyalty urges you to downplay the financial aspects and focus on his other strong characteristics. You cannot do both, so what do you do?
Being truthful is one thing. Telling all the truth on every occasion, however, is something else. -
Rushmore M. Kidder
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