When are you owed the truth?

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I’d also note that “the common good” is one of the least subjective parts of that quote. The common good, in Catholic moral theology, is the general good of society as a whole. Obviously, there is a clear and objective need for things like military secrets to be kept secret.
 
Adglorium,

I am not a moral theologian, far from it.

But I would say it in two connected parts:
  1. We are owed the truth when we have a right to that information.
  2. And, crucially, we have a right to various types of information when we have a legitimate duty to pursue a good.
Rights should be thought of “things that help us do duties”.

I realize this seems like a perverse idea to most Americans, and I was struck by it when I first heard it explained this way, but it seems to carry water and also to get at the heart of the matter: to do good.

We have rights BECAUSE we first have duties (to seek various legitimate goods and ends, not just to seek our wants or curiosities).

If I am seriously starving I have a right to know where I can get food in order to live (which is to pursue a good)!.

If I am married, I have a right to know that my wife was injured and taken to this or that hospital, etc. I have a right to this information, in order that I may execute my duty to take care of her and to look after her (which is a good).

So my right (to anything, including the truth) has to be tied to a legitimate duty. And all duties need to be tied to true goods.
 
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