Lecture Notes on Ethical Dilemma Regarding Promises

Background

• Yvonne and Zaina: Married couple and co-founders of a non-profit aimed at curing a life-threatening disease.
• Funding: Primarily from Yvonne's successful company.
• Tragic Event: Yvonne is in a car accident and on her deathbed.
• Yvonne's Last Wishes: 1) Continue using company funds for the non-profit. 2) Recommit to a pledge of no remarriage.

Zaina's Dilemma

• Timeframe: A decade after Yvonne's death.
• Circumstances:
  • Pharmaceutical companies are on the brink of discovering a cure.
  • Zaina has entered a new, happy relationship.
• Conflict: Balancing her promise to Yvonne with her new life and happiness.

Philosophical Perspectives on Promises

Tim Scanlon

• Interpersonal Expectations: Promises create expectations that influence plans of others.
• Yvonne's Situation: She can no longer plan, leading to a complex decision for Zaina.

John Rawls and David Hume

• Preservation of Societal Values:
  • Hume: Promises signal trustworthiness; breaking promises undermines reliability.
  • Rawls: Keeping promises is a matter of fairness; upholding social practices is a justice issue.
• Relevance to Zaina's Case: Does societal value apply to promises made to the deceased?

Coercion and Duress

• Most philosophers agree that coercion or deceit voids promises.
• Questioning the nature of Zaina's promise to Yvonne under duress of death.
• Yvonne’s requests were not threatening, raising legitimacy issues.

Self-Determination Perspective

John Locke

• Natural Right to Self-Ownership: People have rights that limit others' influence over their choices.
• Promises may not override Zaina's right to make personal choices, including remarriage.

Yvonne's Rights and Legacy

• Authority Over Legacy: Legal protections for the deceased may influence how Zaina should handle Yvonne's funds.
• Zaina's belief: Yvonne would want funds to go where they are most needed.

Identity Considerations

Feminist Philosophers (Natalie Stoljar & Catriona Mackenzie)

• Identity Construction: Our identities are shaped by societal relationships.
• Zaina’s identity is intertwined with her marriage to Yvonne; honoring promises can affirm her identity.

Conclusion

• Zaina's Position: Complex interplay between personal happiness, commitment to Yvonne, and societal implications.
• Final Reflection: What would you do in Zaina’s situation?