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Is Incest Immoral?

Nick Soapdish

Nick Soapdish

Secret Agent
To further the debate on sexuality and morality, I have a new question!

Is incest immoral?

Why or why not?

EDIT: Assume that 100% effective birth control is used (e.g. vasectomy or tube-ties)
 
M

Majikthise

Guest
Immorallity doesn't enter into it.It's genetic suicide.:tsk:
 
M

Majikthise

Guest
atofel said:
What if 100% effective birth control were used (e.g. vasectomy or tube-ties)?
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Good point. I stand corrected.My atheism does not leave me devoid of morals so I would have to say it is immorral.Yes, I know ,the "free thinker is judging someones lifestyle",but just don't twist it to use as an arguement against the gay lifestyle.

(MMM!!Crack open another can of them worms!!);)
 
Scorn

Scorn

Active Member
I couldn't tell you if it was moral or immoral. I'd say it's probably not a great idea. And I suppose that the majority of incest occurrences have something to do with dominance. I think there are unhealthy elements associated with that, but that would just be the layman in me speaking out.
 
Jaymes

Jaymes

The cake is a lie
Not my cup of tea, but if someone uses plenty of protection and has the sense to not try and get pregnant, who am I to judge?
 
michel

michel

Administrator Emeritus
Staff member
Jensa said:
Not my cup of tea, but if someone uses plenty of protection and has the sense to not try and get pregnant, who am I to judge?
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I tend to agree with you Jensa. The fact is that incest is more widespread than we would like to believe; I was told by a Uni history proffessor that it was still a comonly accepted way of life in certain parts of England (Obviously in the more remote areas) until quite recent times.
The only problem that I can see (apart from the accidental pregnancy bit) is that incest must surely include an element of betrayal between married couples-whichever one is 'incesting' on the quiet-but there again, that is up to the individual.:)
 
Jaymes

Jaymes

The cake is a lie
Horrible genetic mutations usually don't appear in the first generation, do they? I think I vaguely remember my World History teacher talking about it (in reference to the Egyptians), and saying that it was genetically okay for a generation or two, then they had to add new blood to it.
 
michel

michel

Administrator Emeritus
Staff member
Jensa said:
Horrible genetic mutations usually don't appear in the first generation, do they? I think I vaguely remember my World History teacher talking about it (in reference to the Egyptians), and saying that it was genetically okay for a generation or two, then they had to add new blood to it.
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You are right; but you are focussing on the children born from an incestuous union; the original question was phrased in such a way as to presume 100% contraception.

As far as problems are concerned, you only need look as far as thoroughbred dogs - who seem to be far more likely to suffer from problems due to effects the inbreeding tried to emphasise- also they tend to be far more psychologically 'frail':)
 
Dr. Nosophoros

Dr. Nosophoros

Active Member
No, it is not "immoral", the words "moral" and "immoral" are just words generally used in our culture to say certain behaviours are "good" or "bad" that should or shouldn't be done with little or no reason/explanation put forth as to why it is.

That said, it can be extremely damaging to the parent/offspring relationship, I would think that a parent that would trade the special (non-sexual) relationship that parents and offspring generally share with each other in exchange for a "sexual" one would be a fool (there are a lot of other people to have sex with)- Immoral no, foolish in the what could be given up, yes.

ATOFEL: Do you think it is immoral, and why?
 
michel

michel

Administrator Emeritus
Staff member
Dr. Nosophoros said:
No, it is not "immoral", the words "moral" and "immoral" are just words generally used in our culture to say certain behaviours are "good" or "bad" that should or shouldn't be done with little or no reason/explanation put forth as to why it is.

That said, it can be extremely damaging to the parent/offspring relationship, I would think that a parent that would trade the special (non-sexual) relationship that parents and offspring generally share with each other in exchange for a "sexual" one would be a fool (there are a lot of other people to have sex with)- Immoral no, foolish in the what could be given up, yes./QUOTE]

Good point; I have however seen the 'Trap' that I had not seen before' in that if the incestuous relationship is with a parent (ie a male of female role model) the psychological effect on the young person willl most likely lead to sexual problems at a later date (ie not being able to form relationships etc):eek:
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Dr. Nosophoros

Dr. Nosophoros

Active Member
Good point; I have however seen the 'Trap' that I had not seen before' in that if the incestuous relationship is with a parent (ie a male of female role model) the psychological effect on the young person willl most likely lead to sexual problems at a later date (ie not being able to form relationships etc)
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I was assuming the parent/offspring were both consenting adults, but I agree with you on that, normal sexual and emotional developments could be impossible for the child to have after something like that but I think that would be more in the realm of molestation than consensual sex (which would be a victimization). And by the way, I do believe pedophiles should be exterminated because of the damage they cause to peoples lives by acting out their own selfish sexual desires by preying on children who are less capable of making an informed decision.
 
C

chris9178

Member
I think it depends how far you go with it.
If we're talking about sisters and brothers (or parents...) then I can see how it could be viewed as immoral.
Cousins, no, I don't see much of a problem with it. I think that's just a recent cultural thing. I believe that Washington and Lincoln both married 1st cousins....
 
Nick Soapdish

Nick Soapdish

Secret Agent
Dr. Nosophoros said:
That said, it can be extremely damaging to the parent/offspring relationship, I would think that a parent that would trade the special (non-sexual) relationship that parents and offspring generally share with each other in exchange for a "sexual" one would be a fool (there are a lot of other people to have sex with)- Immoral no, foolish in the what could be given up, yes.

ATOFEL: Do you think it is immoral, and why?
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It might surprise you but I do. :)

The simple reason is because it goes against God's design for sexuality. You may not acknowledge that reason as valid, so I can reiterate what you have already said. It is not healthy for a family. You may not think this qualifies it as being "immoral", but if we can make a general case that something is unhealthy for a group of people, why do you resist calling it immoral? I have trouble imagining a situation with a sexual relationship between a parent and child where there wouldn't be any kind of emotional fallout.

I also agree with Chris. Many cultures have marital relationships between cousins, and I see no reason why this is inherently wrong.
 
M

Majikthise

Guest
You got me to admit I think it's immoral(see religion above).:162:
 
Yerda

Yerda

Veteran Member
Have organisms developed a tendency to be devoid of sexual attraction to close family members?

I've heard that even plants try to avoid self-pollination.

Any way the idea gives me the heebie-jeebies. If other people want to do it, then it's their choice.
 
The Black Whirlwind

The Black Whirlwind

Well-Known Member
i dont think its immoral, but i do think its pretty nasty. i saw a segment on the history channel about some tropical island where everyone was related, and whenever explorers came to the island, new blood would usually be added to the genetic code.
 
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