Is marrage irrational?

[Eukaryote]

I think marrage is irrational. I believe so because when you marry somebody you are promising two things; that you'll love each other forever, and that you won't fall in love with anybody else for the rest of your life, neither of which I think anybody can know for sure.

So what do you think? Is marrage irrational or not?

 

[Bozo Erectus]

Two people falling in love and wanting to be together is one of the most natural things about the human experience. The extensive cultural, religious baggage we add on to it are all optional however.

 

[Cheezy the Wiz]

I think marrage is irrational. I believe so because when you marry somebody you are promising two things; that you'll love each other forever, and that you won't fall in love with anybody else for the rest of your life, neither of which I think anybody can know for sure.

So how about you? Is marrage irrational or not?

Well when you make this decision, you make it with someone whom you're sure about both things.

"Love is one soul's recognition of its counterpoint in another." This is why you get married when you are in love, and not before.


I find marriage to be perfectly rational, from a secular point of view. Companionship is something every social being requires, marriage is the fullfillment of that requirement. I know that I will be much more at ease once I get married.

Also, marriage creates a stable environment in which you can raise a family. Now, it's true that two unmarried people can raise a child or children, but not with the same level of dedication that a married couple could; there's really nothing 'binding' about it, except for their own commitment to the upbringing of the child.

In short, there's no reason not to get married.

 

[Eukaryote]

Two people falling in love and wanting to be together is one of the most natural things about the human experience.

Of course that's natural, what I think is irrational is swearing you'll do it with her and only her for the rest of your life.

 

[Xanikk999]

I think marrage is irrational. I believe so because when you marry somebody you are promising two things; that you'll love each other forever, and that you won't fall in love with anybody else for the rest of your life, neither of which I think anybody can know for sure.

So what do you think? Is marrage irrational or not?

Depends on the people really. I dont think its irrational to assume two married couples cant be faithful to eachother.

 

[GenMarshall]

Marriage is most certainly not irrational.

 

[JollyRoger]

Marriage is a rational way for a woman to mark herself to those other than her husband as a potential playmate without the expectation of commitment.

 

[Cheezy the Wiz]

Marriage is a rational way for a woman to mark herself to those other than her husband as a potential playmate without the expectation of commitment.

Somebody's had a bad experience or two...

 

[JollyRoger]

Somebody's had a bad experience or two...

Not me . . . never been married, but have been with plenty of married women.

 

[Bozo Erectus]

Of course that's natural, what I think is irrational is swearing you'll do it with her and only her for the rest of your life.

Oddly enough, what we think of as marriage today (monogamy) is probably a creation of our male dominated civilization. What better way to ensure that the children youre raising are yours, than to bind the females within an elaborate religious, cultural tradition like marriage?

 

[Eukaryote]

I see what you mean Bozo, good point.

 

[Shadylookin]

Of course that's natural, what I think is irrational is swearing you'll do it with her and only her for the rest of your life.

well if you get married by a judge all they ask you is if you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife. They make no mention of doing so forever hence divorce. The in sickness and in health for richer or poorer until death do you part is added religious mumbo jumbo you'll get at a church wedding

 

[Cheezy the Wiz]

Of course that's natural, what I think is irrational is swearing you'll do it with her and only her for the rest of your life.

So don't make said oath, and get over the fact that some of us are capable of holding to principle.

 

[Eukaryote]

So don't make said oath, and get over the fact that some of us are capable of holding to principle.

A lot of marrages succeed, I never denied that.

 

[Trajan12]

Of course that's natural, what I think is irrational is swearing you'll do it with her and only her for the rest of your life.

I'm not married, but I've basically sworn that. And it's pretty easy for me. If you don't think that you can do it then you just shouldn't say you will. It seems perfectly rational to me.

 

[Eran of Arcadia]

There is a reason that marriage as a social ceremony has existed in so many different cultures. Humans are generally monogamous, but have polygamous tendencies. Thus, there is a desire to mate for life - but at the same time, an incentive not to stay faithful to one's partner. Thus, the social ceremony sort of adds a cost to adultery.

 

[skadistic]

I have to look at the 50% divorce rate and say yes it is irrational. Monagamy is rare in nature. Humans like most other primates do not engage in monogamy. So yes it is irrational. It is also immoral.

 

[Cheezy the Wiz]

I have to look at the 50% divorce rate and say yes it is irrational. Monagamy is rare in nature. Humans like most other primates do not engage in monogamy. So yes it is irrational. It is also immoral.

I think this is more because people nowadays think of marriage as a form of "extreme dating," rather than with respect for monogamy.

 

[Eran of Arcadia]

@skadistic: Marriage is "immoral"? How do you mean (and how do you define "immoral")?

Like I said, the fact that humans tend to do something usually implies that there is a good reason. Our social tendencies provide incentives for something like that.

 

[skadistic]

Gosh fellas I was just kidding about the immoral part. But it does go against the grain of our genetic ,and untill recently, sociatal fabrics.