Why, and to what extent, is sexual infidelity wrong?

Pacific Philosophical Quarterly 101 (3):515-537 (2020)
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Abstract

Sexual infidelity is widespread, but it is also widely condemned, yet relatively little philosophical work has been done on what makes it wrong and how wrong it is. In this paper, I argue that sexual infidelity is wrong if it involves breaking a commitment to be sexually exclusive, which has special significance in the relationship. However, it is not necessarily worse than other kinds of infidelity, and the context in which it takes place ought to be considered. I finish the paper by looking at how the hegemonic norm of monogamy makes infidelity both more likely and more difficult to deal with.

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Natasha McKeever
University of Leeds

Citations of this work

The Ethics of Love.Alfred Archer - 2021 - The Journal of Ethics 25 (4):423-427.

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References found in this work

Sex, Lies, and Consent.Tom Dougherty - 2013 - Ethics 123 (4):717-744.
“Ideal Theory” as Ideology.Charles W. Mills - 2005 - Hypatia 20 (3):165-184.
The wrong of rape.David Archard - 2007 - Philosophical Quarterly 57 (228):374–393.
What Is Wrong with Lying?Paul Faulkner - 2007 - Philosophy and Phenomenological Research 75 (3):535-557.

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