Are Promises Still Important Today?

The Case for Keeping Promises:

A.The purpose of this case is to show that keeping promises is real important to the person who you are making the promise to.

B.The problem presented here is between a couple considering marriage. Janice, would only agree to marry Bernie if he were to give up smoking.

C.The procedure taken should be:

1.Make a compromise;
2.Break off the engagement.

I.CASE SUMMARY :

A.Bernard and Janice want to get married, but Janice does not like the fact that Bernard smokes. Bernard promises to quit smoking upon their marriage. Janice discovers that Bernie never quit and is upset. Bernie just covered up the smoking with mints and teeth brushing. Janice and Bernie eventually separate because of other broken promises.

B.Accept that Bernie smokes, do not promise to quit smoking if it will not come about in the future or do not offer to promise something that could be broken.

II.CENTRAL ISSUES:

1. Janice should have asked Bernie in the beginning if he smoked. That should have turned her off right away.

2. Janice should have realized that Bernie would not quit a habit drawn out over the years.

III.AMBIGUOUS/ASSUMPTIONS:

One would assume that once a smoker, always a smoker. It becomes a force of habit and usually is a hard habit to break. It has been proven that one person can not change another. Either accept the smoking or get out of the relationship.

IV.CONSIDERATIONS:

A.Obligations:

1.Fidelity: In a hopeful marriage or present one, lies should not be present. There must be trust or the marriage is a flop.

2.Gratitude: Bernie should have enough respect for his future wife to either respect her wishes and quit smoking or sever the relationship.

3.Fairness: It would only be fair to Janice if she knew what to expect from Bernie in the event he would not quit smoking.

B.Ideals:

4. Goodness: Promote: It is important that once a promise is spoken, it should be carried out.

5. Honesty: If the couple can not have honesty before and during the relationship, then they might never have it at all.

6.Quality: The quality of the relationship could quickly diminish after a lack of faith and loss of honesty.

C. Effects: