Single Idea 5906

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / B. Contract Ethics / 3. Promise Keeping]

Full Idea

When a man fulfils a promise because he thinks he ought to do so, it seems clear that he has no thought of its total consequences; he thinks in fact much more of the past than of the future.

Gist of Idea

Promise-keeping is bound by the past, and is not concerned with consequences

Source

W. David Ross (The Right and the Good [1930], §II)

Book Reference

Ross,W.David: 'The Right and the Good' [OUP 1930], p.17


A Reaction

Not entirely true. It is right and good and useful (etc.) to break a minor promise, in order to achieve major good consequences, like saving someone's life. Promises made when drunk should be reconsidered when sober.