Re: [nukkad] To start a discussion

[adsouza <>]

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this is my first email to a list of any kind, so be gentle.

here's my two cents-
> 
> Are human beings programmed to be monogamous, 
or is it constraint enforced by Society?

i don't think there's any programming involved. i think monogamy 
evolved as the system of choice- partly as a way of ensuring a 
nurturing environment for children, and partly as a way ensuring 
companionship when you're old.
 this of course, does not foreclose the merits of any other system
of bringing up children or taking care of 
the elderly. a polygamous society may actually prove wonderful at 
addressing just these two points, but i have yet to see a lasting 
commitment there. i think it may essentially come down to a question 
of whether we as human beings can commit ourselves longterm to 
more than a few people at a time. 
and why do we need commitment of any kind?- to ensure somebody's 
there when the going gets tough.

> If the answer is (as I believe it should be) that it is a constraint
 enforced by society, is it essential?, 

since i don't think it's a societal constraint, i don't think it's 
essential. i think of monogamy as i think of all of social 
constructs- a recommendation by my grandparents. take it and you may 
learn from their mistakes. don't, and you have the opportunity of 
making your own.


alan.


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