When critically discussing whether or not an act such as .
adultery is wrong, one must first establish the definition of adultery, and then on what .
basis it is considered to be wrong. In defining adultery, I will be providing the commonly .
accepted standard conceptual framework in contemporary America. This will be the basis .
from which I judge acts not in agreement with this framework, to be either acceptable or .
wrong. In discussing an issue such as adultery, it is important to note that numerous .
possibilities and variations of this are possible. I would like to explore these variables; and .
in applying them in different contexts will enable us to better judge them to be either .
morally right or wrong. .
The historical background for our present day definition of .
adultery is provided by the church and state. For both moral and social reasons has the .
doctrine of monogamous, marital sex been established. For the purpose of assuring .
paternity, the need for willing estates to heirs of legitimate lineage, maintaining sexual .
health, and providing a family unit for child rearing, has the institution of marriage been .
created. That being the case, one might consider adultery to be wrong for the fact that it .
compromises these outcomes. One must consider although, if adultery is immoral for .
other reasons and two, if acts other than those traditionally viewed as adultery but which .
endanger the aforementioned outcomes are immoral. Thus wrong will be considered .
immoral, or something which breaches the benefits related to the institution of marriage.
In most simply defining adultery, I shall say that it is any .
extramarital sexual act. Right away the question arises however, whether or not .
numerous other similar acts also qualify as adultery. Partners that are engaged but not yet .
married, married partners in an open marriage, married partners having sexual thoughts .
but not acts with other people are just a few examples which must either be determined .