Moral Philosophy in the Bible: The Ethics of Deception

• In Event: Ethics and Theology

Abstract

My paper analyzes whether or not deception can be justified from an ethical perspective through an analysis of biblical episodes which illustrate the moral issue. Deontological, virtue and utilitarian ethics are probed in light of challenges by Constant, Schopenhauer and Kierkegaard, among others, and analyzed in relation to medieval and modern philosophical and exegetical interpretations of biblical narrative. Are lying and deception antithetical to truth and righteousness in the bible? Or do instances of apparent lying and deception by biblical figures reflect a different understanding of biblical truth and justice? Despite the bible’s prohibitions against lying, there are many instances in which biblical characters use deceptive means to achieve a desired end. Abraham calls Sarah his sister in Egypt in order to save his own life. Rebecca facilitates Jacob's deception of Isaac in order for him to receive the blessing of the first born. Tamar deceives Judah and seduces him in the guise of a harlot. Moreover, is there a moral difference between an outright lie and a misleading truth (even if they result in the same consequences)? Do intentions to mislead detract from the value of truth? In the Binding of Isaac, Abraham responds ambiguously to his son’s direct question regarding the whereabouts of the lamb. Shifra and Puah, the midwives of the Jews in Egypt, misguide Pharaoh about the nature of the Israelite women in order to avoid heeding his decree to kill the Jewish male babies. Jacob is deceived by his sons who show him Joseph's bloodied coat, thereby tricking him into believing that Joseph was devoured by a wild animal. Medieval exegetes go to great lengths to temper biblical characters' lies and philosophers allegorize or attempt to harmonize biblical texts in order to idealize its characters. Such biblical interpretation will be examined from the perspective of moral philosophy in order to unsettle established assumptions and discern the ethical teachings of the bible. Since biblical literature is a significant source for Jewish ethical reflection, this paper aims to impart an understanding of the Scriptural moral tradition, as well as contemporary methodological expressions and debates.

author

• Shira Weiss, Yeshiva University