Honesty in Modern Identity Cultivation: A Moral Dilemma-Based Discussion

Abstract

In contemporary society, individuals have a tendency to cultivate their identities based on their characteristics and traits. Within the current educational framework, individuals are instructed in the virtue of honesty. Nevertheless, falsehoods continue to be prevalent in everyday life. However, a comprehensive and universally applicable explanation for the commitment to the concept of honesty remains elusive. The objective of this work is to establish a universally accepted understanding of the concept of honesty. A moral quandary will be presented to ascertain individuals' present decisions. The analysis is grounded on Freud's theoretical framework of personality agency. In some situations, the use of honesty may not be conducive to efficient problem-solving. The significance of honesty as a moral virtue is underscored by its ability to transcend legal boundaries and contribute to the development of individuals' character. In some circumstances when honesty becomes insufficient in managing various situations, individuals may resort to temporarily using falsehoods, aligning with the ideal of benevolence.