[Buddha-l] Ethics

[Michel Clasquin]

Evelyn Ruut wrote:

> I hate to bring up Rotary again, but we have what we call "the four way 
> test for everything we say, think and do".   It is not too simplistic, 
> since whatever you are considering has to pass all four questions 
> affirmatively.
>  
> Is it the truth?
> Is it fair to all concerned?

If it is true, how can it be unfair? And if it is fair to all concerned, 
does that not make it true? These two amount to the same thing.

> Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
> Will it be beneficial to all Concerned?

These two also show considerable overlap

So what do you say if a woman asks "does this make me look fat?" Let's 
try Truth, Lie and Evasion on that one.

Case 1: "Yes"
1. Y
2. Y
3. N
4. N

Case 2: "No"
1. N
2. N
3. Y
4. Y

Case 3: "Not at all dear, but I don't think bright pink really goes with 
your eyes"

1. N
2. Y
3. Y
4. Y

It seems pretty hard to pass all four tests! What are your guidelines if 
you can only make 3 out of 4? Do you deliberately use the evasion 
because it satisfies more criteria than the other two, or is there a de 
facto hierarchy of criteria in which #1 trumps all three of the others?

Sometimes it is necessary to say things that are unpleasant and that 
will end up making you unpopular. And sometimes it may be necessary to 
bend the truth to the advantage of a greater good. Ethics is slippery, 
not something that can be captured in a few simple rules.