Bertrand Russell had our group talking as soon as we sat down. One of the first things our reading mentioned was Russell’s view on marriage and sex. Russell believed that it was alright to have multiple partners after one was married. Many in our group have traditional views of marriage and did not agree with Russell. The discussion of Islam and Mormonism was brought up because both cultures allow multiple wives. An interesting question was brought up about nature. There are many examples of one male having many females. So the question was are we (humans) in the wrong or is nature? Dr. Oliver gave some insight when he suggested that human culture comes from nature and neither was wrong.
Our discussion then turned to Russell’s view of God. There is a reasoning called “First Cause Argument” that Russell rejected. This meant that God caused everything. Russell argued that God has to be caused by something else otherwise God would not exist. Then again, Russell did not believe in God.
By the way group 2, read and think of some questions about Kierkegaard. Chapter 26 in our book.
I believe when someone has a open relationship in marriage that defeats the purpose of marriage entirely. Marriage is most commonly viewed as a sacred relationship between one man and one woman.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Timothy on the point of marriage as well. I believe that the male person should marry only 1 female with no other relationships with anyone else (besides friendships of course!). Also, you bring up the interesting point that Russell thought that God caused everything, but he still did not believe in God. I did not quite understand his thinking on that topic. Nevertheless, Russell's philosophical ideas were very interesting to read!
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Timothy and Evan as well. Marriage is for two couples that love each other. When a man and a woman get married they commit themselves to spending their lives in a new relationship. It is a partnership of love, made richer and deeper through sex. Like many people, Christians regard it as the best context for nurturing children. It is also seen as the best setting for sex.Bertrand Russell believes that it was alright to have multiple partners after one was married. I disagree with him because what is the point of being married if you want to have multiple partners? Might as well be single and do whatever.
ReplyDeleteI see where you all are coming from, but I see it as a matter of choice. I myself would never engage in a polygamous marriage or relationship, but I believe it can be the right choice for other people. If one is confident enough to have an open relationship with another, then that would eliminate the problem of jealousy and adultery. However, legally, marriage is to be between two individuals.
ReplyDeleteI like the way Timothy put it, although I wouldn't say it has to be between a man and a woman, but nonetheless, multiple partners in marriage would certainly defeat the purpose. It's true that peoples views may vary on polygomy. Those that have multiple partners, however, cannot escape the fact that they have contradicted the most common connotations of the word 'marriage.' Personally, I'm curious to understand why Russell would even be an advocate of marriage to begin with.
ReplyDeleteI just think that there is no point in a marriage if you are going to not be monogamous. You can screw around without being married so why get married if that is what you are going to do?
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