Is Adultery Immoral? Thesis: Richard Wasser

Article Outline: Is Adultery Immoral? Thesis: Richard Wasserstrom discusses adultery citing key reasons why it is wrong including the fact that it constitutes an attack on marriage as well as deception and eventually concludes that fidelity is very important in supporting the marriage institution

Richard Wasserstrom presents a comprehensive ethical analysis of adultery, emphasizing the moral wrongness of extramarital affairs based on their harm to the institution of marriage and the breach of trust and promise among spouses. His arguments revolve around the idea that adultery is not merely a personal misconduct but a violation that undermines societal and relational stability.

Wasserstrom begins by asserting that engaging in adultery equates to breaking a solemn promise, which is inherently immoral because promises in marriage are held to a higher moral standard than many other commitments. Unlike other promises, breaking the marriage vow often results in greater pain and dislocation for the involved parties, especially children and families. This breach of fidelity is viewed as an attack on the very foundation of marriage, which is characterized by exclusivity and mutual trust.

Further, Wasserstrom underscores that adultery involves deception, which is morally reprehensible given that honesty and transparency form the core ethical principles within marriage. When one spouse engages in extramarital relations, they deceive their partner, eroding the trust that sustains the marital bond. This deception is not only morally wrong but also destabilizes the relationship, often leading to suffering, conflict, and breakdown of the family unit.

In addition to betrayal and deception, Wasserstrom emphasizes that adultery exploits the feelings of love and affection that are considered sacred within marriage. Sharing intimate feelings and emotions as part of the marital relationship is a preserve of the committed partners. When one commits adultery, they misuse and exploit this emotional trust for personal gratification, which is inherently immoral.

Counterarguments to the immorality of adultery include assertions that sex is not equivalent to love or emotional attachment, and that extramarital sex can be viewed as a temporary act devoid of moral significance or emotional involvement. Proponents of this view argue that sex outside marriage should not be associated with fidelity because it is merely physical and does not inherently threaten the emotional bond. They suggest that separating sex from love could reduce conflict and moral dilemmas associated with extramarital affairs.

However, Wasserstrom counters these arguments by asserting that the emotional dimension of sex within marriage is integral to the moral fabric of the relationship. He emphasizes that shared feelings of love and trust are fundamental to the integrity of the marriage, and infidelity breaches this integrity. Moreover, even if sex is viewed as separate from love, engaging in it outside the marital bond still involves deception and the exploitation of trust, which are morally unacceptable.

In conclusion, Wasserstrom advocates for fidelity as essential to the preservation of the marriage institution. He argues that adultery is immoral because it involves breaking a key promise, engaging in deception, and exploiting emotional intimacy. Maintaining fidelity strengthens the trust and stability necessary for a healthy marriage, and society should promote these values to uphold the dignity of the relational commitments that bind individuals together.

Paper For Above instruction

Adultery remains one of the most scrutinized moral issues within the context of personal relationships and societal norms. Philosophers like Richard Wasserstrom argue that adultery is fundamentally immoral due to its violation of commitments, trust, and the emotional sanctity of marriage. His stance provides a compelling moral framework demonstrating why fidelity is vital for sustaining the integrity of marital relationships and, by extension, social order.

One of Wasserstrom’s primary arguments revolves around the notion that marriage inherently involves a promise—an oath to remain faithful and committed to one’s spouse. When an individual engages in adultery, they fundamentally breach this promise, which is morally comparable to other breaches of trust, such as lying or stealing. In the context of marriage, this breach is even more profound because it directly attacks the core values of fidelity and exclusivity that underpin the relationship. Marriage, as a social and moral contract, relies heavily on mutual promises, and violating them causes emotional pain and destabilizes homes and families.

Moreover, Wasserstrom emphasizes that adultery is morally wrong because it involves deception, which is antithetical to honesty and transparency that are vital for a healthy relationship. Deception leads to betrayal, loss of trust, and ultimately the breakdown of the relationship. Trust is the bedrock upon which the marital relationship is built. When this trust is broken through infidelity, the moral fabric of the relationship is irreparably damaged. This breach of trust can cause long-term emotional trauma for the betrayed partner and often results in social repercussions for the family unit.

Further, Wasserstrom highlights that adultery exploits the emotional and affectionate bonds that are preserved exclusively for the marital partner. Sharing feelings of love and intimacy within marriage is not merely about physical closeness but also encompasses emotional reliance and vulnerability. When these profound feelings are shared with someone outside the marriage, it constitutes an exploitation of the feelings preserved within the vows of fidelity. This misuse of emotional intimacy indicates a moral failing because it disregards the sanctity of the mutual emotional commitments made in marriage.

Counter-arguments suggesting that sex outside marriage is morally neutral or merely physical are addressed by Wasserstrom through the recognition of the emotional dimension of fidelity. Many argue that sex is separate from love and should be free from moral judgment. They claim that extramarital sex can serve as a form of temporary satisfaction unrelated to emotional betrayal. However, Wasserstrom counters this by asserting that even if sex is viewed as physical, the act outside the marital bond involves deception and a breach of trust, which are inherently immoral acts. Furthermore, he warns that accepting extramarital sex as morally permissible could erode the very foundation of the marital institution and societal stability.

Wasserstrom’s conclusion emphasizes that fidelity is crucial in maintaining not only individual marriages but also the societal structure at large. He advocates for the moral importance of upholding promises of fidelity as a means to support the stability, trust, and emotional well-being of families and communities. Consequently, combating adultery involves fostering moral values that prioritize honesty, trustworthiness, and respect within the marital relationship.

In sum, Wasserstrom’s comprehensive ethical analysis establishes that adultery is immoral because it involves the betrayal of promises, the destruction of trust, and the exploitation of emotional bonds. Upholding fidelity within marriage is vital for individual happiness, societal health, and the preservation of the moral fabric that sustains social cohesion. Recognizing these moral principles can guide individuals and society to foster healthier, more trustworthy relationships that reinforce the importance of commitment and integrity in human interactions.

References

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