Scott Alexander explores the ethics of tattling and promise-keeping, arguing for the importance of trustworthy promises even when they conflict with moral imperatives.
Longer summary
Scott Alexander discusses his conflicting feelings about a patient who reported another patient using heroin in rehab. He explores the concept of tattling and promise-keeping, comparing his stance to Leah Libresco's views on breaking immoral agreements. Scott argues for the importance of trustworthy promises in society, even when they might conflict with moral imperatives. He suggests that clear consequences for breaking promises, like in ancient oaths, might be preferable to the ambiguity of modern moral reasoning about promise-keeping.
Shorter summary