Exploring Moral Conflicts: Honesty vs Kindness

Every individual grapples with the ethical dilemmas that life presents. For many, the conflict between being honest and being kind stands out as a significant moral variable. This essay delves into the complexities and contradictions of these two attributes, moral conflict and subjective thought.

Personal Reflections on Moral Conflict

I follow the belief that making a promise is a sacred commitment. Breaking such a promise brings about deep guilt and self-criticism. To maintain my trust in the eyes of others, I base this trust on my own character traits. I am generally trustworthy and skilled in discerning the character of individuals. However, there are exceptions, as others might possess a more refined ability to judge character.

On the other hand, procrastination often results in remorse and the need for rectification. While this bad habit manifests, my awareness and attempt to correct it provide some comfort. My Catholic faith presents challenges, as I struggle to reconcile my choice to spare my children physical punishment with the discipline that sometimes entails hitting.

From a philosophical perspective, it is essential to recognize that morals are not inherently contradictory. A moral principle is a guideline we follow regardless of the situation. We establish our moral principles by resolving conflicts. For instance, if eating an item is deemed morally wrong but is necessary for survival, we must weigh the importance of each value and choose accordingly. Therefore, morals are absolute and cannot conflict with or contradict each other; they can, however, be reinterpreted based on the underlying values.

Contradictions in Moral Principles

Sometimes our policies or principles must yield to the greater good, even if it means acting against a moral belief. A classic example would be the conflict between honesty and kindness. Honesty inherently involves revealing the truth, which can sometimes cause hurt. Kindness, on the other hand, involves actions that aim to avoid pain and promote well-being. In this scenario, honesty and kindness can come into conflict, and the choice between the two is often subjective and dependent on the circumstances.

This personal dilemma (moral conflict) is not unique. The act of withholding the truth to shield someone from pain is a common practice, especially in relationships where the truth might cause sadness or distress. However, in certain exceptional cases, the truth is paramount despite the potential emotional impact. This tension between the two values often manifests in situations where a critical piece of information could prevent harm or wrongdoing but also cause emotional pain.

Conclusion: Resolving Subjective Thought

Principles of ethics, like honesty and kindness, are founded on objective, universal truths rather than subjective thoughts. These principles are not subject to personal opinions or interpretations. Instead, they are derived from the inherent order and laws of the universe, whether in the form of natural laws like gravity or in the realm of mathematics and different fields of study. Since all knowledge is an invisible, spiritual reflection of justice, it provides a foundation for moral reasoning.

Personal values and decision-making processes often involve subjective thought, which might be clouded by our own opinions or speculations. To maintain an objective stance, it is crucial to train one's conscience to eliminate personal biases and opinions that may cloud judgment. Transparency and a clear conscience are essential for making informed decisions based on objective principles.

References

1. Kaczor, C. W. (2003). Prolife but Practical: A Christian View of Abortion and Population Growth. InterVarsity Press.

2. Tolle, E. (2004). The Power of Now. Namaste Publishing.