Promising

Definition

Promising refers to a speech act in which a speaker commits to a future action or behavior, effectively creating an obligation or expectation for themselves. This act is significant within the framework of Speech Act Theory, where utterances are understood not only as mere statements but as actions that can affect reality and relationships. Promising connects deeply with the notions of intention, obligation, and social norms, highlighting how language can shape commitments and expectations between individuals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A promise is often understood as a commitment that creates a moral obligation for the speaker to follow through on their stated intention.
2. In Speech Act Theory, promising is an example of an illocutionary act where the act of promising itself is significant, regardless of whether the action is fulfilled later.
3. The context in which a promise is made can greatly influence its perceived validity and the expectations surrounding it.
4. Promises can be conditional or unconditional; for example, a conditional promise may depend on certain circumstances being met before it is fulfilled.
5. Breaking a promise can lead to social repercussions and affect trust and relationships between individuals.

Review Questions

• How does promising function as an illocutionary act within Speech Act Theory?
  • Promising functions as an illocutionary act by creating a commitment that expresses the speaker's intention to perform a specific action in the future. In Speech Act Theory, this act is not merely about stating intentions; it involves an obligation that binds the speaker to follow through on their promise. This means that when someone makes a promise, they are engaging in a performative act that has implications for social interactions and relationships.
• Discuss the role of context in determining the validity of a promise and its implications for interpersonal relationships.
  • The context plays a critical role in determining the validity of a promise because it shapes how the promise is interpreted by both parties involved. Factors such as the relationship between the individuals, the circumstances under which the promise was made, and cultural norms surrounding commitments can all influence how seriously a promise is taken. If promises are made in contexts perceived as informal or casual, they might not carry the same weight as those made in more serious situations, impacting trust and expectations in interpersonal relationships.
• Evaluate the implications of breaking promises in light of social expectations and obligations within Speech Act Theory.
  • Breaking promises has significant implications within Speech Act Theory because it disrupts the expected performative nature of language and undermines trust between individuals. When someone fails to fulfill their promise, it not only creates disappointment but can also lead to social consequences such as damaged relationships or loss of credibility. This highlights how language functions not only as a tool for communication but also as a mechanism for maintaining social order and expectations regarding personal obligations.

Related terms

Speech Act: A communicative action that conveys not just information but also performs an action, such as making a promise, giving an order, or asking a question.

Illocutionary Force: The intention behind a speech act, which determines what the speaker aims to achieve through their utterance.

Performativity: The concept that language can be used to perform actions rather than just convey information, such as in the case of promises, apologies, or declarations.