Is there a school of philosophy that emphasizes honesty over anything?

Question

I wanted to know if there's a moral philosophy or religious doctrine that puts honesty and responsibility above all else.

In other words, it's ok to murder and steal, but as long as you're willing to defend your grounds.

An idea that it's ok to be immoral, hurtful and do violent things, so long as you are acting in consistency with what you believe and are willing to speak for it.

A philosophy where hypocrisy and dishonesty is a higher crime than murder and rape.

I think we have such problems with crime and immorality today because people are not willing to admit their true nature and are told to be ashamed of what they believe based on societal pressure.

Is there a doctrine or moral theory that says as long as you take responsibility, nothing is ever wrong to do?

Answer 1

All of philosophy attempts this in one way or another, as the quest for truth.  Also keep in mind that it depends on what honesty is defined as in the particular system.  In the sense you are describing it, Nietzsche or Machiavelli come to mind.  Also, maybe Rouseau.  These three have created honesty in our modern way of thinking.

Also Locke made a great case, which has defined what an honest government should be.

Answer 2

Total anarchism would be one, physical power is hard to argue against.  However, hasn't civilization grown beyond that of physical violence and brutality already?  Oh boy, going back to the chaotic wild wild west again?

Answer 3

If there is such a school it would have to be one that does not enforce zero tolerance..

Answer 4

I kinda like the idea, but I still believe that things are wrong. But integrity is good.

Answer 5

in Indian yogi philosophy honesty is valued on the belief that words uttered by a dishonest person have little power.  The more truthful a person is as a habit, the greater the power of his or her utterances.  But even yogi philosophy does not place honesty above all else.  However, you might find that they consider thoughts to be more important than words and actions b/c words and actions are rooted in thought.  Yet, we have responsibility over all that we think, feel, say and do b/c we have the power to choose all of them.

Answer 6

Not really, they are all the sme once you get past the nitty gritty.