Ethics, Thursday, October 6, 2016
"Today we're going to have a discussion about honesty," Anakin said, very much not making eye contact with Obi-Wan.
"Specifically, in the context of last weekend," Obi-Wan said, his mouth a thin line. "I'm sure you've all felt inclined to tell white lies, either to your parents about your current situation, or to your friends about your parents."
"Or to your roommate's visitors just for fun," Anakin said.
"Whatever the case," Obi-Wan said, "Sometimes lies are not spoken with ill intent, but rather to defuse a potentially bad situation. In such cases, do the ends justify the means? Are white lies acceptable?"
Anakin nodded vehemently. "I would say yes."
"There is a certain arrogance in it, I feel," said Obi-Wan, like he didn't rigorously embrace the practice on a daily basis. "To believe you know every consequence your words - and the truth - may have."
Anakin snorted. "Because the Great Negotiator has never stretched the truth a little."
"I'm merely offering a counterargument," Obi-Wan said. Serenely. Sort of. Okay, it came with a bit of an edge, considering Anakin's track record.
"Sure you are," Anakin said, pursing his lips.
Obi-Wan ignored him. "Today, we'd like to discuss this matter," he said. "Do you think white lies are helpful? Damaging? Arrogant? Best avoided, or utilized when necessary? And when do you consider them necessary?"
"Specifically, in the context of last weekend," Obi-Wan said, his mouth a thin line. "I'm sure you've all felt inclined to tell white lies, either to your parents about your current situation, or to your friends about your parents."
"Or to your roommate's visitors just for fun," Anakin said.
"Whatever the case," Obi-Wan said, "Sometimes lies are not spoken with ill intent, but rather to defuse a potentially bad situation. In such cases, do the ends justify the means? Are white lies acceptable?"
Anakin nodded vehemently. "I would say yes."
"There is a certain arrogance in it, I feel," said Obi-Wan, like he didn't rigorously embrace the practice on a daily basis. "To believe you know every consequence your words - and the truth - may have."
Anakin snorted. "Because the Great Negotiator has never stretched the truth a little."
"I'm merely offering a counterargument," Obi-Wan said. Serenely. Sort of. Okay, it came with a bit of an edge, considering Anakin's track record.
"Sure you are," Anakin said, pursing his lips.
Obi-Wan ignored him. "Today, we'd like to discuss this matter," he said. "Do you think white lies are helpful? Damaging? Arrogant? Best avoided, or utilized when necessary? And when do you consider them necessary?"