Unit 3 Lyng全新版大学英语综合教程五课文翻译.docVIP

Unit 3 Lying Text A The Truth About Lying 1. Ive been wanting to write on a subject that intrigues and challenges me: the subject of lying. Ive found it very difficult to do. Everyone Ive talked to has a quite intense and personal but often rather intolerant point of view about what we can — and can never never — tell lies about. Ive finally reached the conclusion that I cant present any ultimate conclusions, for too many people would promptly disagree. Instead, Id like to present a series of moral puzzles, all concerned with lying. Ill tell you what I think about them. Do you agree? Social Lies 2. Most of the people Ive talked with say that they find social lying acceptable and necessary. They think its the civilized way for folks to behave. Without these little white lies, they say, our relationships would be short and brutish and nasty. Its arrogant, they say, to insist on being so incorruptible and so brave that you cause other people unnecessary embarrassment or pain by compulsively assailing them with your honesty. I basically agree. What about you? 3. Will you say to people, when it simply isnt true, I like your new hairdo, Youre looking much better, its so nice to see you, I had a wonderful time? 4. Will you praise hideous presents and homely kids? 5. Will you decline invitations with Were busy that night — so sorry we cant come, when the truth is youd rather stay home than dine with the So-and-sos? 6. And even though, as I do, you may prefer the polite evasion of You really cooked up a storm instead of The soup — which tastes like warmed-over coffee — is wonderful, will you, if you must, proclaim it wonderful? 7. Theres one man I know who absolutely refuses to tell social lies. I cant play that game, he says; Im simply not made that way. And his answer to the argument that saying nice things to someone doesnt cost anything is, Yes, it does — it destroys your credibility. Now, he wont, unsolicited, offer his views on the painting you just bou