Aristotle was a Greek philosopher and a scientist. He wrote on a range of things that included physics, poetry, logic, politics, biology, and ethics among other things. He was an example of an all round philosopher. The works of Aristotle on ethics have been influential since their introduction and most of it has been rejuvenated in the outlining of the modern virtues and ethics. He got his knowledge from his teacher Plato, who started an academy in which Aristotle attended.
A gay is a person who is sexually oriented to someone of the same biological sex or same gender identity. For Instance it is when a male is attracted to a fellow male or a lady enticed by a fellow female. In the ancient days, this was practiced however it was not done on official notice. It was just a supplement for the straight relationships that involved attraction amongst people of opposite gender.
However, in the modern days, gay marriages and relationships have come to be a part and parcel of the society. Many a country has opted to legalize gay marriages with other states and countries sharply contradicting this decision to legalize gay marriage. The contradicting nations being majorly African countries in which this is considered a taboo. However still there are elements of this practice going on at these places as well. This paper aims at comparing Aristotle’s perception on the matter in relation to the current thoughts.
According to Aristotle, marriage involves the acts by which a man and a woman actualize and experience sexually the real giving of themselves to each other. According to him, gay marriages had a special similarity to solitary masturbation, being sodomized as a prostitute or being sodomized for the pleasure of it. This is unworthy of a human being and is considered immoral. This is because according to him, this is a non-marital act (Sandei, 2007).
Also according to Aristotle, a family comprises one adult male and one adult female and the children that result from their association. Here, he believes in the best regime that consists of two adults that are engaged in a monogamous but heterosexual union and the children that result from their association. According to Aristotle, this type of association is natural, basic social, educational and economic society. It is thus evident that Aristotle was not for the opinion of gay marriages. He was completely against the union of same sex individuals claiming it was impure and immoral. I totally agree with the reasoning of Aristotle. I view it as an uncouth behavior that has no basis but promoted by irresponsibility of emotions. It is so hard to understand how someone would be attracted to same sex. With the unbalanced ratio of men to women, with women being almost twice the number of men, it would be hard to understand why a man would opt for a fellow man instead of the many females who are available for marriage and relationships.
Gay marriages however have been regarded differently by different people. There are those who support this and those who conquer with the thoughts of Aristotle. Those who agree with gay marriages believe the traditional marriage that was defined as a single man and a single woman is inaccurate.
They also claim that gay marriages share the same reasons for intending to marry just as the heterosexual couples. They also believe that the same sex couples can as well have successful, committed, loving and caring relationships. They also believe that they have the ability to raise their children however adopted in a happy and healthy way (Adam, B.D. 2003).
A number of ways however can solve this problem of sexual orientation. First and foremost, whenever any individual at a tender age realizes her change in attitude towards fellow sex, it is advisable that he or she may seek guidance and counseling services to help them restructure themselves in a straight manner. This will in turn influence the future change of sexual orientation as the problem shall have been contained.
In addition, the governments that have not already legalized gay marriages should not allow this practice to be legalized. This will enhance the traditional and historical virtues of straight marriages are enhanced and promoted whereas the vices of gay marriages will be hindered.
However much gay marriages have taken over the world, I still do not acknowledge their authenticity as a virtue. I will stand by the fact that many wrongs don’t make a right. Just because most people have decided to change their perception on the gay marriage, promoting it doesn’t mean it is a good thing to do.
Works cited
Corvino J.2012. Same Sex: Debating the Ethics, Science, and Culture of Homosexuality. Rowman and Littlefield Publishers.
Chuska,J. 2000. Aristotle's Best Regime: A Reading of Aristotle's Politics, VII. 1-10. University press of America.
Sandei M J. 2007. Justice: A reader .Oxford university press.
Adam, B.D. (2003). The Defense of Marriage Act and American exceptionalism: the ‘gay marriage panic’ in the United States. Journal of the History of Sexuality, 12(2), 259-276
