According to Mill, why is it wrong to tell a lie to spare yourself a momentary embarrassment?
A) Because one can never be certain whether others will discover the lie, which would upset them and further embarrass you.
B) Because the pleasure that comes from knowing that you are an honest person outweighs the pain of momentary embarrassment.
C) Because it weakens one's commitment to telling the truth and others' expectations of honesty, both of which are critical to promoting the overall happiness.
D) Because suffering embarrassment might be painful for you, but being deprived of the truth will cause others more pain in the long run.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mill's utilitarian philosophy emphasizes the importance of actions that promote overall happiness. Telling a lie, even to avoid embarrassment, undermines the commitment to truth and the expectation of honesty in society, which are essential for maximizing happiness.

According to Mill, Why Is It Wrong to Tell a Lie