In distinguishing right from wrong, absolutists
don’t see much of a difference between mathematical calculation and moral
reasoning. They’re extraordinarily confident about their ethical judgments,
which can range from uncompromising commitment to truth, responsibility, and
authority of law to ideas about religious beliefs, abortion, premarital sex,
protecting whales, and even body piercing and breastfeeding. Although
absolutism is often associated with conservatism, radical liberals can be just
as rigid.
While absolutists are less likely to rationalize or
fall into the traps of situational ethics, they can become disrespectfully
intolerant of other perspectives. Although they can be highly honorable, a “no
exceptions” approach to principles like truthfulness can lead to undesirable
results. If one insists that all lying is wrong, there is no moral difference
between lying to collect insurance and lying to a 3-year-old about the tooth
fairy, falsely praising a gift, or going undercover to catch drug dealers.
While I share the absolutists’ disdain for those who
constantly find excuses to lie, cheat, or break promises, I face too many
situations in life where my deeply held convictions conflict. Sometimes telling
the absolute truth is so unkind or disrespectful that it isn’t morally required.
About the author: Michael Josephson is one of the
nation’s most sought-after and quoted ethicists. Founder and president of
Josephson Institute and its CHARACTER COUNTS! project, he has conducted
programs for more than 100,000 leaders in government, business, education,
sports, law enforcement, journalism, law, and the military. Mr. Josephson is
also an award-winning radio commentator.
This article was published by the Josephson
Institute.
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