"Its not particularly likely to happen but there are all sorts of different very unlikely situations. How about being asked if you know who the informant is, when your the informant... "
That would fall under the exception I offered. If asked to give information that would harm an innocent or a loved one (including self) the lie is permitted, rather than to become a conspirator with the murderer/terrorist/torturer/captor (person with heinous intent).
In general, however, a lie to a murderer is not otherwise justified.
Most of us understand that exception, the problems come when we venture into grey areas of that exception. For example, wouldn't it be harmful to my family if I couldn't pay the rent or bring home the bread, so should I be able to lie in business dealings? Isn't it harmful to my family if corporate corruption results in our homelessness? Everything, is potentially harmful to innocent beings. My answer is no, but that is where the argument should be clarified. It's the same argument people like Ward Churchill use when calling people they don't like 'little Eichman's'.
The arguments for or against such false justifications were presented in my original presentation.
Sorry it took so long to reply... health issues.
best regards, less_ |