more from Michael J. Sandel

Single Idea 21038

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / B. Contract Ethics / 1. Contractarianism]

Full Idea

Legal thinkers have debated this question for a long time: can consent create an obligation on its own, or is some element of benefit or reliance required?

Gist of Idea

Does consent create the obligation, or must there be some benefit?

Source

Michael J. Sandel (Justice: What's the right thing to do? [2009], 06)

Book Reference

Sandel,Michael J.: 'Justice: what's the right thing to do?' [Penguin 2010], p.144


A Reaction

Clearly mere consent could be under some compulsion, either by the other party, or by some other forces. Keeping a deathbed promise usually brings no benefit, but is a matter of honour. Ah, honour! Can anyone remember what that is?