Truth Telling

Truth-telling is one of the most important values for the society to function well. We trust that public and private sectors produce their services and products with good intentions and that the information they provide is to best of their knowledge and for the betterness of the consumers. Imagine for a second, driving in a highway without the self-assuring sense that the signs and directions of the road are not misleading. Think what it would be like eating food or drinking water with the doubt that it could be poisoned. This is unimaginable. A society like this could not survive. At the individual level, we owe each other a kind of fiduciary obligation. We have the responsibility to protect each other’s rights to life, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness, which, without truth-telling, we would not be able to achieve. There would be no socializing if we did not trust one another. Truth-telling is “the total worth of people trying not to deceive each other, or at least not trying to deceive each other’s… [it is derived from] respect for persons, concern for welfare, and justice.” (Newton: Study Guide, 2004. Pag. 159).

Hypothetically, I am an assistant at a legal office in charge of the initial interview of new walk-in clients. If a client shows up wanting to sue her landlord for negligence in connection to severe injuries she sustained on the staircase in her apartment house. If I find out that the injuries are fictional, I would not confront the client, but I will definitely tell the attorney that I think the injuries are fictional. I understand that it is my responsibility, as the first interview taker, to present the results of that proceeding to the next person in charge. This does not necessarily imply a moral obligation, but a job duty. Nevertheless, I should not consider my findings conclusive. Screening could be the first step in the case, and the lawyer would have to verify the results of the first interview.

Considering benefits or profit to tell the truth or not is morally wrong. In a case like this, if the lawyer proceeds knowing that the bases for the lawsuit are not factual, he is committing a crime by helping someone falsely accuse their landlord of negligence. He is also contributing to create in the client, a perception that she could get whatever she wants by deceiving others. He is becoming an agent of immorality. Lawyers, as well as other professionals, are called to exercise their professions according, to the code of ethics of the profession itself. They, also, have the responsibility to protect others` rights. Lawyers should honor the fundamental values of the humanity. They as Kant claims, should “Act so that you can simultaneously will that the maxim of your action should become universal law.” Kant also stated that “it is not sufficient to that which should be morally good that is conform to the law; it must be done for the sake of the law.”

Finally, “You shall not lie.” It is an imperative commandment of the Lord. The Christian guidance given by God throughout his prophets and Jesus Christ has been the moral base of our society. This commandment is identified several times in the bible, including its implication and rewards. A lie is weighed by God as bad as the worst sins: “Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” (Revelation 22:15). Following His word, established in the Bible, has given us the power to live and to enjoy the universe.

In conclusion, our duties and responsibilities as employees of an organization might go beyond our fiduciary obligation to the company. Some decision may involve moral issues that affect clients, third parties and/or the society. Although, the final outcome may reflect utilitarian approach, fairness or justice perspective, virtue perspective, or common good approach. Nonetheless, the moral decision is to be taken according to the good will, not based on bias, internal emotions or external influences. In the end, we must deliberate on moral issues for ourselves, keeping a careful eye on both the facts and on the ethical considerations involved.

REFERENCES

1. Newton, Lisa H. Ethics in America: Study Guide. 2^nd. Ed. New Jersey: Pearson Education, 2004.
   
2. Newton, Lisa H. Ethics in America: Source Reader. 2^nd. Ed. New Jersey: Pearson Education, 2004.