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?