I hold that it is never moral to break a promise. According to Sheehan (2016), an action that was only optional before the promise was made becomes mandatory because of the promise. Therefore, a promise in this case is akin to a covenant, which needs to be fulfilled. Before a person makes a promise, it is assumed that they clearly understand the terms of the promise, and willingly commit themselves. Secondly, before anyone commits himself or herself, the presumption is that they usually evaluate the promise as well as their ability to deliver on the promise. It is not prudent, for instance, for someone to promise to buy her spouse a car, when it is obvious she cannot afford it. Therefore, making a promise means the person has assessed their potential to deliver or fulfill it.
Breaking a promise is not moral because it shows that someone is not responsible. Responsible people need to be true to their word. Usually, when someone is promised something, he or she develops expectations. In this sense, broken promises translate to disappointment on the part of the promised individual. It even becomes an emotional affair if the promise involves intangible matters such as love. For example, couples may promise each other to remain faithful as long as they last. However, one of them may break the promise by engaging in extramarital affairs, a situation that could be heartbreaking to the other partner. Before someone breaks a promise, they should ask themselves how they would feel if the same was done to them. Obviously, it would be disappointing for someone to commit themselves but fail to deliver; it would be difficult to trust the person again. Evidently, it is neither prudent nor moral to break a promise.
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Reference
Sheehan, H. P. G. (2016). The Making and Breaking of Promises (Doctoral dissertation, UCL (University College London).
