Is polygamy inherently immoral?

Question

I just saw a story about polygamy in the U.S. that took the expected and perhaps appropriate moralistic tone, but it didn't (as stories of this nature rarely do) bother dealing with why polygamy isn't acceptable, other than that it's unconventional in Western culture. So this made me think about whether an argument could be made that it is necessarily, intrinsically immoral.

Answer 1

I think it all depends on where you're coming from, your background, religion, and such. It's illegal, but whether or not it's immoral is totally subjective.

I personally wouldn't mind marrying more than one guy, but I would never be part of a relationship where I was one of many (i.e. more than one) wives.

Answer 2

In our culture isn't generally acceptable because it is different from the norm (which is typically in the US defined by our Chritianity based foundation of laws), but there are plenty of people who still do it. The law doesn't recognize more than one wife so our society says that must the the limit.

Generally, in a society where men and women have equal rights, polyamory is very complicated. Most societies where polygamy is the norm, tend to be male dominated and the women really have very little say in whether they are an only wife or not.

In the US there are people in this same situation, even though they would probably argue that the women do choose to live this way, I tend to think they are very submissive women whom are pressured by their religion to practice such things.

On the other hand, there are lots of people in polyamorous relationships whom are not married, but share their lives with multiple partners.... this can be done successfully, but as a general rule, humans tend to pair off, so with additional people in a relationship all invloved must care for and be open with all other participants in the relationship otherwise there will be jealousy.

I don't hink you can say it is immoral though because as long as everyone involved is a consenting adult and as long as everyone is honest with one another, then nobody will get hurt and, therefore, no harm is done.... meaning, it is not immoral.

Answer 3

From a humanistic point of view almost nothing is "inherently immoral". That's why we still have running debates about abortion. Relativism runs rampant. That was the whole bases of Friedrich Nietzsche work. Once you strip away all of the religious, and social prohibitions you become an Uber man, or perhaps your just a psychopath....but I digress.

Polygamy is not illegal though, its practiced all the time. How many people do you know that have truly been monogamous? Serial monogamy marriages, adultery, swinging, and having many babies mommas are all forms of polygamy. While these practices are not illegal, it is only when one tries to be honorable through marriage, and in obedience to God, that we question the issue at all.

I wonder why that is?

God Bless,

Robert

I once heard a woman say, "I have been monogamous with everyman that I have had.".

Answer 4

Polygamy is accepted in various religions or with different sects. For example, polygamy is acceptable to many Muslims. It is said that polygamy was first made permissable during times of war. As men began dying in battle, women began to outnumber men. Polygamy helped in that widowed women with children found a care-taker and were once more a part of a family unit. You must remember that during those times (hundreds of years ago) working wasn't really an option for most women and marrying was a matter of survival.

Personally, I don't think there's anything to really validate it anymore- but that's just my opinion.

Answer 5

Most people seem to believe that if they are all consenting adults- then who cares. But sadly, amongst the Fundamentalist Mormon communities (not associated any more with the Mormon Church), polygamy is alive and well- but practiced in a really terrible way. The community leaders- those with power and control, hoard the pretty young girls at age 12-16 and marry them. There are really old guys with dozens of wives, the youngest of which are mere teenagers. Basically sold into sexual slavery to old powerful men.

Now- wouldn't it be nice if these men were also rich and could afford to support their many families- but alas, since polygamy is illegal, all these girls are 'officially' unwed mothers and live off of welfare- courtesy of the american taxpayer. It's a really nasty situation in places like Colorado City, UT.

Answer 6

In some cultures, it is acceptable to murder your children under certain circumstances. In some cultures, it is a crime for a woman to show her face or drive a car.

There is no such thing as "inherently immoral", it al depends on your culture.

This is especially true when you are talking about consenting adults. If three people want to get married, why would anyone else say that was wrong?

Answer 7

There are always double standards. There are good reasons not to as well. Would you want your children to marry each other and have deformed children? Genetics plays a large roll as why not. The more children you have the more likely this can happen.If we were genetically perfect and sound and this was not an issue It would not be such a moral or ethical issue. Years ago there may have been more women than men.Those who choose to have many children now it appears are arrogant greedy and selfish.

Answer 8

You hit the nail right on the head with your question. And then, as you read through the answers the point is reenforced. Just in case you missed the point: morality is subjective, but seen to be all-encompassing. This is an iherent failing in the definition of morality. See, morality is a self-defined thing, and another's moral code is not written down and can only be guessed at. They may be against your code, but who's to say whether it's against their own? All you can do, is what's right for you; morality is one thing that should remain under the rule of anarchy.

Answer 9

Well I think they "pressed" the question within teh question too much...meaning well if there was a higher mind on a level, it would state that YES it is immoral, but NOT as immoral as slaughtering and raping animals like the USA does today.

I believe in ONE love, and so I would say I hold "higher moral standards" than someone who believes in let's say; polygamy..
Also someone who does not have "salt" in their diet on alot of levels is probably better off than me, do you see teh connection?
IT'S SCIENCE

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Answer 10

There is no such thing as absolute morality. It all depends on the society you exist in, the culture you're a part of.