Introduction
We are taught that lying is bad. However, some people argue that
it is sometimes necessary to tell a white lie. A white lie is a
harmless lie that is often told to avoid hurting someone’s feelings.
Is it ever acceptable to tell a lie? Let’s see what Henry and Ashley
think.
Constructive
Debater 1 Henry
It is never acceptable to tell a lie. After someone discovers that
you have lied, it will be hard for them to trust you again. Also,
when you start lying, you may have to keep lying. For example, imagine
that you lied and said that you could not go to your friend’s party
because you are sick. Next time you see your friend, you may have
to continue lying about your fake sickness.
Debater
2 Ashley
It is sometimes acceptable to tell a lie. Let me give you an example.
Your friend has been working hard to sew a dress. She finally completed
the dress and she asks for your opinion. You think that it is an
ugly dress. However, you tell her that the dress is beautiful. This
is a white lie. Henry, would you have told your friend the truth
in this situation?
Rebuttal
Debater 1 Henry
Yes, I would have told my friend that I do not like this dress.
However, I would also encourage her to keep trying and give her
helpful suggestions for improvement. If everyone tells her that
her ugly dress is pretty, then she will not learn to improve. Sometimes
lying may seem like the better and easier option. However, I believe
it is always best to tell the truth.
Debater
2 Ashley
I recognize that there are some negative consequences to lying.
I do not encourage people to lie often. I just think that white
lies are sometimes acceptable. There are situations where it is
better to tell a small, white lie rather than hurt someone’s feelings.
For example, I think you would have really hurt your friend’s feelings
if you had told her that her dress is ugly. That is cruel.
Judge’s
Comments
Today’s winner is Henry. Ashley committed the logical fallacy ad
hominem. A debater commits this fallacy when he or she criticizes
his or her opponent rather than the arguments. Ashley said that
Henry’s decision to tell his friend the truth is cruel. Remember
to focus on attacking arguments rather than your opponent’s personal
decisions and character.