Lying and Ethics: What's the Connection?

Sam Harris gives various reasons as to why people should remain totally honest without necessarily getting worried of embarrassment or short moments of awkwardness. One cannot agree less with the author. Harris maintains that a healthy relationship with our families, friends and coworkers can only be maintained if people remain truthful (Harris, 2013) . Additionally, he has used examples from his personal experiences and friends to demonstrate the consequences that accompany lying. People who tell lies later render themselves as victims of their actions. The NOHS Codes of Ethics relate with Sam Harris view on lying by people should strive to perfect their unique values and beliefs by upholding ethics and integrity. This will enable an individual to act with honesty, genuineness and objectivity when relating with others. 

The book explains clearly about the general challenge that develops once a lie has been uttered. Harris describes the unease environment that’s created when people start to lie. It’s difficult to be truthful and open up to someone fully in such a situation. He states that the only way to avoid all this is to tell the simple truth. Moreover, reasons why people sometimes lie have been explained. Most people will engage in a “white lie” in an attempt to spare themselves or others from the discomfort of knowing the truth (Harris, 2013) . However, standard 25 of the NOHS Codes of ethics clearly states the need for individuals to maintain a healthy personal growth. This will, in turn, affect how people relate to each other. The truth no matter how ugly will be advocated. 

Practitioners offering Ethical Human Services may find Harries view on lying compatible with their line of work. This is because offering such services to the public with honesty will help build trust. Moreover, the ethical environment in this sector can also extend beyond being honest. An Ethical human Services practitioner is a profession that mainly deals with human problems and needs. It’s therefore very important to maintain an open channel of communication characterized by pure truths and honesty between the two parties. The NOHS codes of ethics relates to this kind of profession by encouraging service to all without discrimination based on race, culture, religion, sexual preference, gender and ethnicity. Sam Harris states that relating with all these people calls for a high level of integrity (Harris, 2013) . Therefore, it would be very easy for a practitioner offering Ethical Human Services to relate with both Sam Harris view on lies and the NOHS Codes of Ethics. 

Another compatible analysis that Ethical practitioners can borrow from Harris work is the importance of making informed decisions. This has to do with acknowledging that life can only be made easier by choosing honesty and integrity. Harris describes honesty as an engine of simplicity and source of power (Harris, 2013) . Therefore, the practitioners have an obligation of setting an example to those they serve. This can be illustrated by ensuring they encourage people to be honest and truthful. Moreover, ethical concerns should be approached based on a set of values Such as competence and integrity. NOHS Codes of Ethics encourages this too. 

Reference 

Harris, S. (2013). Lying . Four Elephants Press.