D115

Faithfulness

BD08 Ethics & Values
Derived LayerMML-4

Version v1.2.4

Definition

Robust adherence to specific relational commitments despite temptation or opportunity to violate them.

Poles

Each HES element is a spectrum, not a category: the Low and High poles describe how it presents at its two extremes, while the Reference marks the typical, everyday middle. The poles map variation across the range — neither end is inherently better or worse.

Low Pole

Commitments are readily violated under temptation and low detection risk.

High Pole

Commitments are consistently kept, including when attractive alternatives are available.

Reference

Generally faithful, with vulnerability under loneliness, stress, or meaning-crisis conditions.

Measure

Primary: Threshold — level of temptation/benefit/anonymity at which violation occurs.

Measuring Methods

Graded temptation/risk scenarios + validated retrospective case analysis when appropriate.

Empirical Anchor

Faithfulness / commitment reliability; fidelity in close relationships; conscientiousness-applied-to-bonds.

Notes

More specific than loyalty: loyalty is broader group-partner stance; faithfulness targets explicit commitments.

Citation

APA

Human Elements System. (2026). Faithfulness (HES Passport D115, v1.2.4). hestable.com. https://hestable.com/passport/D115

BibTeX

@misc{hes_D115, author = {{Human Elements System}}, title = {{Faithfulness}}, year = {2026}, note = {HES Passport D115, v1.2.4}, howpublished = {\url{https://hestable.com/passport/D115}} }