Ethics: Duplicity Rejection Essay, Research Paper

Ethics

Many people reject duplicity in all forms. By the word duplicity we will use the dictionary definition:

1. A) Deliberate deceptiveness in behavior or speech.

B) An instance of deliberate deceptiveness; double-dealing.

2. The quality or state of being twofold or double.

However, it may be suggested that duplicity and deceit is the basis of all social interactions. Witness for an example how most people go through daily life. You will notice that with every person they encounter will behave accordingly.

For an example a girl may be rude and caustic to a peer, condescending to another, then subserviently humble to a teacher. This is a very feeble example; nevertheless it illustrates just how changeable the nature of human beings really are. This is a form of duplicity as this ‘flexibility’ of behavior brings up the question of whether anyone can accurately understand another character. Understanding is necessary in any sort of a social situation, as it is how relationships are built. Without understanding it would be hard to decide how one would act towards another. Human beings are chameleons, masters of disguise although they are loath to admit it. When confronted with the observation that they treat people differently, many people will react negatively. People are able to adapt almost any face when a given situation calls for it and posses at least two distinct faces.

Biblically speaking, such duplicity is sinful. The Bible dictates that all people are equal under god as like creations and must be treated fairly. People as a rule is weighted down with original sin, and generally expose and exacerbate that sin wherever they go. This explains the tenant of how humanity is on the whole, sinful. Since all people are born with original sin, it affects their very behavior into such. Essentially, humans are carnivores who terrorize their victims regardless of who it is. That is the basis of human nature in their natural state, ignoring practices taught by the Bible. This is evident by the previous explanations. People adjust their behavior accordingly to maximize the profit gleaned from every social encounter.

Therefore, then, like Machiavelli says, it is impossible to live up to the lifestyle of a Christian. Then, is it truly necessary to live a life striving to achieve the impossible? This train of thought seems to lead to downright pessimism and the stifling of natural ‘sinful’ behavior. Then therefore, the Christian life seems to be wasted. Is it not much more fulfilling to be able to live in a way that is more conducive to enjoyment?

In another way of speaking, one of the greatest failures people commit as evidenced by their refusal of their base nature is to fail to acknowledge their sinful wants. Therefore, it is best to experience everything available, then seek more, and as creatures ‘damned by their own hand’ by preying upon others one can fulfill their purpose, which is to live according to their nature. Through hostility and antagonism, one can learn to truly appreciate kindness in the company of others. When one encounters hostility it will be recognized for what it is, where before without the antagonism one would not really know what kindness is. This is much akin to the ‘without dark there is no light.’ Through all this one may learn to elevate themselves higher.

There are several things that a person needs to do to elevate themselves. They must not deny responsibility for their actions, as doing so is tantamount to growing weak. When one is not able to accept their own actions, there is no purpose to being able to act of your own free will. To treat their subordinates poorly is to destroy their own power base. Likewise, failing to respect your superiors is to destroy the chance of receiving aid from them. As mentioned above, people are essentially sinners, and helping others when it is not to your advantage is both against your nature and bespeaks weakness. To accept defeat is to admit that you cannot rule over others. The same goes for submitting to the error of others. One must not pay for the folly of others.

By self-empowerment and the acceptance of the natural behavior of human beings, we can realize the self more. By doing this you achieve self-realization which is the purpose of existence.