Presentation Title: The ethics of whistleblowing: is whistleblowing a breach of promissory obligation?
Theme: International Ethics and Environment and Governance 
Presenter: Miss Kristina Novakovic 

A major criticism of whistleblowing is that it involves the breaking of a promise to keep secrets. According to this line of argument, whistleblowing is therefore considered morally wrong because the whistleblower has broken a promise. I consider, however, whether we have reasons to believe that promises are always binding. In other words, under what circumstances might promises be non-binding? In the first half of the paper I identify several factors that can invalidate a promise, or absolve the promisor of the moral obligation to fulfil the promise that he/she has made. In the second half I turn to consider whether any of these factors might apply the case of the political whistle-blower. If so, then whistle-blowing may not always amount to a breach of a promissory obligation. 

Kristina Novakovic is a PhD candidate at UNSW Canberra and her thesis is on the Ethics of Whistleblowing. With a background in philosophy, her research focuses on applying philosophical concepts and analyses to topics that often intersect with politics and war. Her Masters thesis was on the Ethics of Cyber Attacks and her earlier work focused on epistemology.