Why Is Lying Necessary

Lying is sometimes the necessary and proper thing to do. Being untruthful can be done in a moral way. I view lying in a utilitarian like way. If it is done to support most people's happiness and wellbeing , the act is moral. Lying becomes necessary when it spares the feelings of others, saves lives, and to protect the general public.

To Kant, lying would not be acceptable ever. According to his philosophy, one person lying is allowing for everyone to lie. There would be no exceptions for one type of lie. Kant's first formulation of his categorical imperative says “Act only in accordance with that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law." If we apply this to the situation, it means if one lie is acceptable all lies are acceptable. In my personal opinion, this philosophy in many circumstances is impractical. Everything should not apply to all. It leads to exploitation.

Lying to avoid hurting the feelings is something commonly done. Empathy and sympathy is something we develop at a young age. These emotions are the cause for us to lie to spare feelings. This form of lying is acceptable because it is innocent. It's a selfless act done simply to avoid the pain of another human being. Its has been done for many years by teaching kids myths. Telling kids there is a Santa Claus, Easter …show more content…
Human life is worth telling a lie. The lie is justified by the good deed. If a killer asked you where their victim was and you knew, but you said you don't know, it is an acceptable lie to tell. This lie saved the life of another human being. The philosophy of utilitarianism sees this as an acceptable thing to do because it promotes the wellbeing of those in the situation. This lie allowed for someone to continue to live, and it would allow you to continue to have peace of mind. If you would have allowed for the killer to get the person, you'd have a guilty