An assignment on lying

In a Discussions Posting, UCFNanglebuttons1123 wrote:

Telling lies can sometimes be hurtful or be beneficial. Often the connotation of a lie depicts an immoral choice not to speak truth. But it can also depend on the context of the discussion. For example, if someone says "Hi, how are you?" and you respond with a "Fine, thanks for asking", but are not fine at all, then most would consider it to be a lie. But to what extent is it necessary to tell all of the truth in a common situation such as that? That person asking you the question is not psychologically equipped to anaylze and determine whether you are fine or not, and it usually comes in commonly spoken phrases anyways. And plus, it is a minute detail that will not affect anyone otherwise. Taking it to a medium extreme, say a lady goes to purchase a vehicle. She is planning on putting cash down on the vehicle, or trading in her old vehicle. But when the dealer is working with the customer on a price and asks about any payment or trade in advance on the vehicle, she decides to withhold the information until she sees get the best price (because her father taught her that trick). If there was a chance for the customer to get a better deal without stating the facts by manipulating the numbers in their favor, is that considered immoral? Or is the dealership immoral for selling cars at a higher price than MSRP and manipulating numbers when people put more of their assets on the table? Taking it to the highest extreme, we find a kidnapper at large. The guy's accomplice is caught, but creates such an alibi that no one is to suspect anything. But if they don't find the kidnapper soon, then the victim dies. Telling the truth can sometimes save lives. The degree of lying varies in its levels of morality, translating to right or wrong. Smaller, insignificant details that have no bearing on the well being of others are often withheld to guard oneself or another's feelings. Sometimes lying at a higher degree ultimately helps someone from being taken advantage of and/or to excel in life. But the the most immoral fashions of lying (where morality and right/wrong is defined by societal standards) usually involve a life or death situation, or a moment where someone can become emotionally scarred for life. Ultimately, lying does no good, but neither do humans. It proves itself to be a necessary component to survival and the human code found in the balance of order and chaos constant to the universe.