SEXUAL PROMISES

Write a paper consisting of three sections. Each section must comply with its corresponding specifications.

Section 1. In “The problem with sexual promises”, Hallie Liberto argues that when another person promises they will not sleep with anyone but you, you have a moral obligation to refuse their promise, or failing that, to release that person from their promise. In this section, you must carefully explain Liberto’s argument. Make sure to answer the following questions in the course of your explanation (though not necessarily in this order):

What is an overextensive promise?

What is the Football game case?

o What does Liberto think John should do in this case, and why?

What is the Wedding case?

o What does Liberto think John should do in this case, and why?

According to Liberto, how are the Football game and Wedding cases alike?

Section 2. In this section, you must put yourself in the shoes of someone who disagrees with Liberto— someone who thinks that when another person promises they will not sleep with anyone but you, you do not have a moral obligation neither to refuse that person’s promise nor to release them from their promise. How could someone who disagrees with Liberto argue that there is a difference between the Football game and Wedding cases? What difference could they point to?

• Your objection must be responsive to Liberto’s arguments. If your objection is that holding Jane to her promise in Football game will result in nonconsexual sex, for instance, you need to address Liberto’s arguments to the contrary.

Section 3. In this section, you must put yourself in Liberto’s shoes. How could she respond to the previous objection?