University Philosophy Essay: Noble Lies and Ethical Leadership

This philosophy essay explores the concept of noble lies, examining their role in ethical leadership and public good. The essay begins by arguing that noble lies, as defined by Plato, are more theoretical than practical, yet can be justified in certain situations, such as the American government's response to the 2008 financial crisis. The author contends that the government's actions, while potentially deceptive, served the greater good by preventing widespread panic and economic collapse. The essay then responds to a counter-argument, suggesting that even disruptive noble lies can have positive implications. The example of Elon Musk and Tesla's impact on the automotive market is used to illustrate how a 'noble lie' can drive innovation and progress, even if the initial vision is not fully achievable. The essay concludes by referencing relevant scholarly sources to support its arguments.

Running head: PHILOSOPHY
Philosophy
Name of the student
Name of the university
Author note

1PHILOSOPHY
I think that the concept of noble lie is more of myth rather than having any practical
implications. This is due to the reason that the utility of noble lie being given by Plato is more on
the basis of domain knowledge rather than having any real world implications. Moreover, in the
current time, the given political scenario is also changing the definition of noble lei to certain
extent. However, it should also be noted that even with the limited utility of noble lie in the
current situation, it is true that in some case, noble lie is consistent with the ethical leadership. As
per the latest report, the response being shown in public after the fall of Lehman brothers in 2008
by the American authority can be treated lie (Hoffmann, Post and Pennings 2013). This is due to
the reason that among all the responses given by the authorities, some of them are merely for
managing the public trust and preventing them from getting panicked. At that point of time, it
was important to reduce the panic among the major population and in doing so; favorable
condition of the instances is being communicated. Thus, it can be concluded that noble lies being
initiated by the American authority can be considered as an example of ethical leadership. This is
due to the reason that according to the Plato’s republic, the decision of noble lies should stay
with the authority and it can be used for public good (Baltes 2017). Hence, as per the Plato’s
notion of lie, the response of the American authority during the 2008 economic slowdown is
noble lie. Moreover, it should also be noted that the lies being communicated by the American
authority done public good by preventing them in selling off their stocks. This is also aligning
with the provision of noble lie being given by Plato.
Response
In response to your arguments, Mackenzie Myers, I would like to add a few more points.
You have stated that noble lies are for doing public good and not for public disruption. I cannot
get agreed with you in this case due to the reason that disruption should not always have negative

2PHILOSOPHY
impact rather it can have positive and favorable implications as well. Thus, it can be concluded
that if a certain public disruption being initiated can have favorable implications, then why we
will not refer it a noble lie? For instance, we all know about the limitations of the electric
mobility as of now against the conventional mode of transportation but still the noble lies of Elon
Musk of Tesla is disrupting the automobile market and for good only. The vision being stated by
them may be not possible in the near future or will have limitations in the real world situation,
but still the disruptions caused by him in the automobile market helped in embracing the idea of
electric and emission free mobility. Thus, it can be concluded that noble lies can also disrupt the
public only if it is having positive implications on them.

3PHILOSOPHY
Reference
Baltes, M., 2017. Is the Idea of the Good in Plato’s Republic beyond Being?. In Studies in Plato
and the Platonic tradition(pp. 21-42). Routledge.
Hoffmann, A.O., Post, T. and Pennings, J.M., 2013. Individual investor perceptions and behavior
during the financial crisis. Journal of Banking & Finance, 37(1), pp.60-74.