Lie slightly on your resume?
Ethical thought experiments reveal the hidden weights we assign to loyalty, honesty, and the greater good. Read the scenario below, lock in your choice, and then scroll down to explore the philosophy behind your decision.
You're applying for your dream job and you're perfectly qualified in every way except one: you listed a skill you technically have but at a basic level, not the 'intermediate' level the job requires. You know you could learn it quickly once hired. One small exaggeration on your resume separates you from dozens of equally qualified candidates.
Tap to vote — results revealed after
The Philosophy Behind This Choice
Article Overview
- The psychology behind this honesty
- Evolutionary advantages and origins
- Modern implications & studies
The moral dilemma of resume embellishment sparks a debate between conflicting ethical frameworks. On one hand, Utilitarianism suggests that the intent to get a job you can genuinely do justifies the small deception, as it leads to a greater good - your employment and contribution to the company. On the other hand, Deontology argues that the act of deception is inherently wrong, regardless of the intent, as it violates the principle of honesty.
This conflict is further complicated by psychological biases, such as the Self-Service Bias, which leads individuals to rationalize their own deceptive behavior as harmless. According to Immanuel Kant's moral philosophy, such rationalization undermines the trust-based systems that employment and contracts rely on, ultimately leading to a collapse of these systems.
"Human behavior is rarely random. Even our strangest quirks are deeply rooted in evolutionary biology and social preservation."
As humans navigate this gray zone, they must consider the long-term consequences of their actions. While a small exaggeration may seem harmless, it can have a ripple effect, contributing to a culture of dishonesty and eroding trust. Ultimately, the decision to embellish a resume requires careful consideration of the ethical implications and a commitment to honesty, even in the face of intense competition.
Philosophical Context & Sources
OddlyHuman Ethics Team
VerifiedWritten and fact-checked by the OddlyHuman Behavioral Science Team. We verify all psychological, sociological, and historical claims against peer-reviewed journals, primary sources, and established encyclopedias to bring you accurate insights.
Read our Editorial Guidelines →