On the Immorality of Lying to Children About Their Origins
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Fall 2011
Publication Title
Philosophy in the Contemporary World
Abstract
Using the moral work on trust and lying, I argue that allowing or encouraging children to believe you are their biological parent when you are not is a breach of trust in the parent-child relationship. While other approaches focus on specific harms or the rights of the child, I make a virtue theory argument based on our understanding of trust, lies, and the nature of the parent-child relationship. Drawing heavily on Nancy Potter's virtue theory of trustworthiness, I consider the nature of trust in the parent-child relationship and what this means for being a trustworthy parent.
Repository Citation
Charles, Sonya, "On the Immorality of Lying to Children About Their Origins" (2011). Philosophy and Religious Studies Department Faculty Publications. 76.
https://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/clphil_facpub/76
DOI
10.5840/pcw201118213
