Ethical Dilemma: Zaina's Promises

Background

• Yvonne and Zaina's Relationship: Married for decades, co-leading a non-profit focused on curing a life-threatening disease, funded by profits from Yvonne's successful company.
• Tragic Event: Involved in a car accident, Yvonne, on her deathbed, makes two requests of Zaina:
  1. Continue using company funds for their non-profit research.
  2. Reaffirm their pledge not to remarry.

Current Situation

• Progress in Medicine: Large pharmaceutical companies are close to curing the disease.
• Zaina's Personal Life: Entered a new relationship, contemplating remarrying, feeling conflicted due to her promise.

Philosophical Perspectives

Interpersonal Expectations

• Tim Scanlon's View: Promises create expectations integrated into personal plans. Yvonne's plans are no longer a factor, suggesting Zaina's decisions primarily affect herself.

Societal Value of Promises

• John Rawls & David Hume: Focus on societal implications, maintaining trust and fairness in promise-keeping. Raises the question of societal owe in promises made to the deceased.

Legitimacy of Promises

• Duress Factor: Evaluates whether promises made under emotional pressure, such as a deathbed, are binding.

Self-Determination

• John Locke's Principle: Natural right to self-ownership, suggesting promises should not override one's self-determination, including the choice to remarry.

Rights of the Deceased

• Yvonne's Legacy and Authority: Seeks balance in respecting Yvonne's intentions for her assets, acknowledging legal protections and the pursuit of personal autonomy.

Changing Circumstances

• Adapting Wishes: Consideration of whether Yvonne's wishes should be updated based on new facts and needs.

Identity and Relationships

• Natalie Stoljar & Catriona Mackenzie: Emphasis on identity construction through societal relationships, suggesting honoring promises may affirm Zaina's identity intertwined with her marriage.

Conclusion

• Zaina's Dilemma: Balancing respect for Yvonne's wishes, societal value of promises, her own self-determination, and the evolving circumstances in disease research and personal life.

Given all these considerations, Zaina must weigh her obligations to Yvonne, her own autonomy, societal implications, and the changing reality of the disease's cure in determining how to proceed.