Ana+and+Sashka

= Lying =

Description
Lying is a form of deception. Essential features of a lie will include giving some information, intending to deceive or mislead, and the liar being aware that what they are saying isn't true. A lie doesn't have to be told with a bad intention e.g. white lies are told with a good intention. Lying is one of the most common 'wrong' acts that we carry out. Most people would say that lying is always wrong, except when there is a good reason for it. This is why it is questioned whether lying is actually 'wrong'. It can depend on the lie that is told. Lying can be bad if the liar is intending to offend, upset, or harm the person they're lying to. Lying can be beneficial if it is used to protect someone from something dangerous or something that shouldn't be known. It can also be considered right if it is used to be polite.

There are many reasons why people think lying is wrong, but it depends on the way you think about ethics. Lying is bad because it diminishes trust, it can be a selfish act (used to benefit the liar and not the person being lied to), it's a basic moral wrong, it's something that a good person shouldn't do, it corrupts the liar, and it misuses the God-given gift of human communication. Lying is OK or pardonable in some situations according to Thomas Aquinas if the lie is told for fun, or are helpful. A white lie is used to benefit the person being lied to by making them feel good or preventing their feelings being hurt. It generally doesn't harm anyone and is about something morally trivial.

North Korea
Upper class, people with power vs. rest of population Use of propaganda, withholding truth --is it lying? Mythology + legends about emperors etc. = lies? Ancient Korean/Asian traditions and beliefs regarding lying and ethics vs. modern day North Korea Propaganda in North Korea is based on the Juche ideology.This is the official political ideology of North Korea.

Iran
Lying to be polite, 'white lies' --are they still bad?

White lies are not a totally good thing because the person being lied to is deprived of information that they might find useful even if it might be upsetting. The person telling lies may also find it easier to lie in the future. 'Taarof' - Iranian cultural no rm involving excessive politeness, to the point of dishonesty, people say things they don't mean (e.g. a shopkeeper might say 'you don't need to pay for that' but then the other person is expected to insist on paying, none of it is actually meant) == ==

Comparison
Similarities / differences in North Korean and Iranian responses to the issue of lying. North Korea uses lying in order to politically control their citizens and the information their receive whereas Iran uses lying to be polite and are not intending to harm the person being lied to. Their use of lies can both be misleading and confusing. Both societies aim for a positive outcome through the use of lying.

Explanation of why different societies have responded differently to the issue
Iran = religious/cultural beliefs North Korea = political control These two societies have responded differently to the ethical issue of lying because of their opposing moral beliefs. North Korea strives for political success regardless of the impact on their citizens. The citizens of North Korea are lied to in order for the government to benefit politically. Iran values maintaining their reputation of politeness by using lies to come across as a good person, regardless of if the truth is being told. They highly regard what other people think of them.