Magellan7t said:
If we were talking about organisms without intellect, such as insects, you would be right - they simply are what they are. People, on the other hand, make choices which they have to account for. People who aren't fit to account for their actions are generally wards of someone who can.
I believe humans are what they are. I'm not saying that it's impossible for a human to change and grow. I say that they must change from free will.I don't ask for change in my partners. I've chosen the generic "her" because she was what I liked and desired. It would be hypocritical to con a woman into a relationship and then demand change. If you discover later that she is not what you want, move on.
As for accounting. In the case of cheating she (my partner) is only morally accountable to me (her SO). And even that it;s questionable, since you don't own another human. If I decide that it's really her right to enjoy her sexuality, her life and be happy, why would
you hold her accountable for ? Who or what gives you the right ?
Society can only pretend so much. Namely, not breaking the laws of the realm. The way in which some persons choose to express their sexuality, as long as it doesn't break the criminal code, should not be any concern for the society at large.
Magellan7t said:
An android or a sociopath might handle it just that way. Betrayal of trust is much more difficult than that for most, especially where the welfare of children is involved.
Different humans cope in different ways with perceived or real betrayal of trust. I give you that.
While I do believe that is best for children under a certain age to grow up in a tied family, I am not the adept of the theory that parents should stay in a "empty love" (that it , commitment only without any other forms of intimacy) for the sake of the children. You can go on your own paths in life and enjoy it, and still be a very responsible parent.
It may be difficult in certain legislative systems with idiotic divorce rules, and certainly lack of money (generally speaking, resources) is a serious issue, and IMO it accounts for most of the couples who had their relation gone south and are still married.
Also, I feel the term "sociopath" is used way too easy those days. You don't have to be a sociopath to take a damn decision. In the end, any human involved in such a situation *will* have to take a decision. It's unavoidable. taking decisions without spending time with a shrink doesn't make you sociopath. You have to choose whatever you want to save the relationship or end it. ideally you should make the decision as soon as possible, but also
in "cold blood".
Magellan7t said:
As an atheist who cares very little for religion and superstition, I don't think it's reasonable to throw away a good principle just because it has ties to a religious philosophy. Even a broken clock is right twice a day.
As I said, the principle sounds good. But it's fuzzy, since what I would not like done unto me is certainly not identical with what you would not like done onto you. We will most likely agree in most ethical problems, but I am sure we would also find more than enough grey territory and contention points.