ulysses contract

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Ulysses contract" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in discussions about precommitment strategies or agreements to limit future choices. An example: "He entered into a Ulysses contract to avoid the temptation of overspending." Alternative expressions include "precommitment agreement" and "self-binding contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Some directives include a "Ulysses contract"; just as Ulysses instructed that he be bound to the mast of his ship so that he would not be lured by the Sirens, some people insist in advance that they be medicated or hospitalized even as they beg to be released.

The New Yorker

The Ulysses contract is deliberately provocative, Professor Benartzi said.

The New York Times

The new paper takes precommitment strategies much further, advocating, for example, a "Ulysses contract" — or a "commitment memorandum" that spells out what to do when the markets move 25 percent up or down.

The New York Times

Eagleman's work has been focused in part on what he calls the Ulysses Contract.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Onward uses a variety of tools that can function as different kinds of Ulysses contracts, including social connection and accountability.

TechCrunch

Such preparation for driving retirement has been likened to a 'Ulysses contract' [ 26, 35] (Ulysses asked his crew to tie him to the ship's mast on the condition that they ignored his pleas to be released when seduced by the song of the sirens [ 26]).

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Warrant canaries are a kind of Ulysses pact – a contract where one party begins negotiations by limiting their own choices (named for Ulysses, who tied himself to the mast to prevent himself from jumping in the sea when he heard the sirens' songs).

The Guardian - Tech

In other words, can/should a Ulysses type of contract exist?

Critical Care

Halliday and his partner, N. W. Graham, signed a contract with Ulysses S. Grant for the Union Army's use of the wharfboat during the war.

Wikipedia

The social contract we all implicitly sign can also include Ulysses clauses: demands that society limits our personal autonomy in order to protect ourselves in moments of weakness, folly or intoxication.

Independent

Read "Ulysses".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing behavioral economics or personal finance, using "Ulysses contract" can add a layer of sophistication and historical context to your writing. However, ensure your audience understands the allusion.

Common error

Avoid using "Ulysses contract" without understanding the reference to the Odyssey. If your audience is unlikely to recognize the allusion, opt for a more straightforward term like "precommitment strategy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Ulysses contract" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe a type of agreement or strategy where someone commits to a course of action in advance to avoid future temptations or irrational decisions. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it is applied in contexts ranging from personal finance to healthcare directives.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Ulysses contract" is a noun phrase that describes a pre-commitment strategy, drawing inspiration from the tale of Ulysses and the Sirens. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usage in contexts like behavioral economics and personal finance. Although its frequency is rare, it carries a sophisticated connotation when used appropriately. Alternatives like "precommitment strategy" or "commitment device" may be preferable for broader audiences. Remember to be mindful of the reference and its intended meaning to accurately communicate the concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precommitment strategy

Focuses on the strategic aspect of committing in advance.

commitment device

Highlights the tool or mechanism used for commitment.

self-binding agreement

Emphasizes the act of binding oneself to a future course of action.

commitment contract

A general term for an agreement intended to ensure commitment.

advance directive

Implies a formal instruction given in advance, often in a medical context.

self-imposed restriction

Highlights the act of limiting one's own choices.

voluntary restraint

Focuses on the willingness to limit one's actions.

binding pledge

Stresses the legally or morally obligatory nature of the commitment.

irrevocable decision

Highlights the finality and unchangeable nature of the choice.

principled commitment

Refers to commitment that is based on strong beliefs.

FAQs

What is the origin of the term "Ulysses contract"?

The term "Ulysses contract" comes from the story of Ulysses (Odysseus) in Homer's Odyssey, where he had his crew tie him to the mast of his ship to resist the Sirens' deadly song. It represents a commitment made in advance to avoid temptation.

How can I use the concept of a "Ulysses contract" in everyday life?

You can implement a "Ulysses contract" by setting up systems that prevent you from making impulsive decisions. For example, you might set up automatic transfers to a savings account to avoid overspending, or block certain websites to reduce distractions.

What are some alternatives to saying "Ulysses contract"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "precommitment strategy", "commitment device", or "self-binding agreement".

Is a "Ulysses contract" legally binding?

While the term "Ulysses contract" is often used informally, it doesn't necessarily imply a legally binding agreement. However, some precommitment strategies, like advance healthcare directives, can have legal standing.