Compare And Contrast Augustine's Views On The Morality Of Lying

Morality of Lying

The morality of lying has been the topic of interest of many ethicists and philosophers for centuries. Subsequently, various opinions concerning the essence of the notion as well as concerning its permissibility were expressed. As a result, today, it is possible to regard the morality of lying from quite different perspectives applying to different theories or moral beliefs. In this context, St. Augustine should be regarded as one of the key figures in the discussions dedicated to the issue of the morality of lying since his persuasions both played an important role for maintaining Christian morality and were often objected and criticized and, thus, encouraged more discussions of the issue under consideration.

In order to better realize St. Augustine’s views on the morality of lying, it is essential to first define what was actually understood about

Augustine, I found it difficult to suggest counterexamples to the given ideology because, for me, it is complete in its rigidness and integrity. However, I realize that as a whole this absolutism is likely to not be appreciated to the greater extent. An obvious criticism of Augustine that is likely to come to one’s mind in regards to his persistent unwillingness to admit that not all lies are morally evil for it is obvious that there could be situations in which a speaker, who intentionally deceives, acts for the sake of some greater good. This given example offers objections to Augustine’s ideology and could deny the absolutism expressed by the philosopher. For instance, utilitarian approach to the morality of lying would view telling a lie as a necessary condition in the case that the good received would outweigh the deceit. Similarly, virtue ethics may also allow certain violations from the general view, that lying is immoral, in case there would be a kind of a conflict between the virtue of honesty and another