As discussed in class, some consider some lies to be morally right, or "okay," based on the consequence of the lie. In other words, if the lie being told was told only with the intent to mean and do good, can one consider lying okay as long as it is for a morally good reason?
Consider this scenario:
A child is adopted at a very young age, specifically at an age when not much in life is yet understood. An optimistic couple is willing to raise this child as if it were their own, but is contemplating whether or not they should tell the child right away that he has been adopted. The issue at hand is that the parents aren't sure they should tell him yet, regarding his age. They do not want to risk confusing the child at such an early age, yet they do not want to wait "too long" to inform him. Consider the fact that the reactions of adopted children after learning about their biological parents often vary, and can sometimes end up spiraling downhill. Is waiting to inform the child considered lying? And does the lie fit the "noble" description? Which decision would you make?
If the child is only 3 then wait a year or 2 based on there ability to grasp things then tell them, better yet just tell them. Its not so much lying as just not mentioning anything, and if the child figures it out before then, I'd just tell the truth because statistically speaking it's better for a child to find out they're adopted at a young age than later on in life because if told later in life, the child will feel a sense of betrayal caused by not knowing the truth, so no, it wouldn't be a noble lie to not tell the child they're adopted.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion waiting to tell the child that he or she is adopted is not lying because the over all intention is to tell him/her the truth...eventually, but if the parents decide NOT to tell the kid that he or she is adopted in order to protect him or her from "neglect", then no it not a noble lie because the child has the right to know that he/she is adopted because what if one day he or she decides that they he/she wants to know or meet their biological parents. The harsh reality of he or she being adopted at an older age would be heart crushing instead of protecting them from neglect.
ReplyDeleteI would definitely tell the kid that he or she is adopted and i would also teach/be there to support them and work through the situation and if they feel neglected in any way, I would show them that even though I may not be the bilogical mother, he or she is still my kid and I would show them that every chance I get.
ReplyDeleteThe right thing to do would be to tell the child as soon as possible. Doing this would also avoid problems that could stir up if yu wait until later in the childs life.
ReplyDeleteI believe explaining to the child the situation at an early age will have better results. If things are talked through the right way the child will not feel lied to or neglected making it easier for him to understand and not react negatively as he would if the parents wait. The parents should find the right time and moment to explain and help their child learn to adapt to the situation.
ReplyDeleteI believe explaining to the child the situation at an early age will have better results. If things are talked through the right way the child will not feel lied to or neglected making it easier for him to understand and not react negatively as he would if the parents wait. The parents should find the right time and moment to explain and help their child learn to adapt to the situation.
ReplyDeleteI think you should wait for the child to be at an age where they fully grasp what it means to be adopted. But if you wait too long, then it is not fair to the child to find out he is adopted once he reaches an age like, 15. I agree with most of the opinions stated above. eYou should be able to know your child well enough to determine when he/she will be able to handle the fact that you adopted them.
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