Does lying matter? Hilaria or Hillary lost a great deal of money because she lied, but does lying matter even if there is no financial loss? We often lie. Sometimes we get caught and other times we get away with it. Does lying matter only if we get caught? In “The Ring of the Gyges,” we were told that if we could get away with lying, cheating, stealing or murder, we would and the only reason we are honest is that we are forced on to the path or morality by the fear of punishment. Is this really the case? Are there good reasons for being honest individually as well as communally? In this writing assignment, I would like you to pick a philosopher and then help them to make the case for honesty or dishonest. A very strong and controversial claim. (Strong means if you think lying is beneficial, state it. Please do not tell me it depends. This is not controversial and will not allow you to make a good argument.)
Evidence for your claim. This can either be your reasons, the philosopher, or a combination of both.
Counterexamples or opposition to your position.
A Rebuttal to the opposition.