- Watch: Top 5 Websites 202
- Glossary Groupwork
- Pairwork on quotes
- Songwriting on your trip with AI, you.com or perplexity.ai, then record on YouTube or vocaroo.com
- Write your reflections and/or aspirations under Comments below.
Tinyurl.com/costilinda
Editing checklist https://docs.google.com/document/d/11PjeZaifuewIgWhAHgh6aV-vphZ5rL78XB9_dPO0Otc/edit?usp=drivesdk
The Ethics of White Lies
White lies are a common form of deception that many people use to avoid hurting others' feelings or causing unnecessary conflict. A white lie is a harmless or trivial lie, often told to be polite or to spare someone's feelings. For example, telling a friend that their new haircut looks great, even if you don't like it, is a white lie.
While white lies may seem harmless, they can have unintended consequences. For one, they can erode trust between people. If someone discovers that you lied to them, even if it was a white lie, they may be less likely to trust you in the future. Additionally, white lies can perpetuate misunderstandings and prevent people from addressing real issues. If you always tell your partner that everything is fine, even when it's not, you may be avoiding important conversations that could improve your relationship.
On the other hand, some argue that white lies are necessary for social harmony and politeness. Without white lies, people might be more blunt and hurtful in their interactions, leading to more conflict and tension. Furthermore, white lies can be a way of showing empathy and compassion for others. If someone is going through a tough time, a white lie can be a way of showing support and kindness.
Overall, the ethics of white lies are complex and depend on the situation and the people involved. While white lies can be a way of showing kindness and avoiding conflict, they can also erode trust and perpetuate misunderstandings. It's up to each individual to decide when and if to use white lies, and to be aware of their potential consequences.
Multiple-Choice Questions
What is a white lie?
a. A harmful or serious lie
b. A harmless or trivial lie
c. A lie told to protect oneself
d. A lie told to gain an advantage
Why do people tell white lies?
a. To hurt others' feelings
b. To cause conflict
c. To be honest
d. To be polite
What is one potential consequence of telling white lies?
a. Building trust between people
b. Perpetuating misunderstandings
c. Improving relationships
d. Encouraging honesty
What is another potential consequence of telling white lies?
a. Avoiding conflict and tension
b. Encouraging important conversations
c. Building empathy and compassion
d. Promoting honesty and trust
What is one argument in favor of white lies?
a. They are always necessary for social harmony
b. They are a way of showing empathy and compassion
c. They are a way of avoiding important conversations
d. They are a way of being blunt and honest
What is one argument against white lies?
a. They are always harmful and serious
b. They erode trust between people
c. They promote misunderstandings
d. They encourage conflict and tension
What is the main idea of the passage?
a. White lies are always necessary and harmless
b. White lies are always harmful and should be avoided
c. White lies are complex and depend on the situation and people involved
d. White lies are a form of deception that should be discouraged
What is one potential consequence of discovering that someone lied to you, even if it was a white lie?
a. Building trust between people
b. Perpetuating misunderstandings
c. Improving relationships
d. Encouraging honesty
What is one potential benefit of telling white lies?
a. Building trust between people
b. Perpetuating misunderstandings
c. Improving relationships
d. Encouraging honesty
What is one potential drawback of telling white lies?
a. Building trust between people
b. Perpetuating misunderstandings
c. Improving relationships
d. Encouraging honesty
Answer Key
b
d
b
a
b
b
c
b
c
b
"Two Truths and a Lie" games that can be played with a group:
Childhood: Share two true childhood memories and one made-up memory.
Travel: Share two true travel experiences and one made-up experience.
Hobbies: Share two true hobbies and one made-up hobby.
Food: Share two true favorite foods and one made-up favorite food.
Achievements: Share two true achievements and one made-up achievement.
Hidden talents: Share two true hidden talents and one made-up hidden talent.
Likes/dislikes: Share two true likes/dislikes and one made-up like/dislike.
Personal quirks: Share two true personal quirks and one made-up personal quirk.
Pet peeves: Share two true pet peeves and one made-up pet peeve.
Celebrity encounters: Share two true celebrity encounters and one made-up celebrity encounter.
