First, I'll state that we are presuming a certain standard of relationship to mean meaningful and cooperative attachment (for want of a better phrase). There is also this ideal of permanence or longetivity, which I argue is not a necessary value but rather one dependent on outlook (e.g. my outlook is that all due effort given one should let relationships run their course as opposed to subscribe to delusions).
Without talking about the religious aspect, polygamy can work, but I would claim that with humans in general, as a rule, it would be extremely difficult. I am aware that certain cultures may allow and advocate it but this is usually in the case of prescriptive societies where one sex is made subservient to the other, or one class of people etc. etc. If we were to assume autonomy and individualism, and the cultural practices of relationships today, then monogamy is obviously the most stable relationship format to follow.
That's all old hat though- what I'm claiming is that monogamy is the most stable all round. Why? Because I'd like to (tentatively) suggest that our notion of a relationship encompasses the nexus between the consideration of the self and that of another. In terms of identity, being involved in a reciprocal relationship does involve a certain sense of posessiveness regardless of how this happens. Attachment accompanies desire (you'd know what I mean Todd), and so in a polygamous/polyamorous setting, one would expect the compromises made to be greater.
That said, I do personally know a polyamorous trio, and from what I can understand, at this point in time, it seems to be the best option. As to if it would last or whether tensions wouldn't inevitably break up, I cannot be sure.
Without talking about the religious aspect, polygamy can work, but I would claim that with humans in general, as a rule, it would be extremely difficult. I am aware that certain cultures may allow and advocate it but this is usually in the case of prescriptive societies where one sex is made subservient to the other, or one class of people etc. etc. If we were to assume autonomy and individualism, and the cultural practices of relationships today, then monogamy is obviously the most stable relationship format to follow.
That's all old hat though- what I'm claiming is that monogamy is the most stable all round. Why? Because I'd like to (tentatively) suggest that our notion of a relationship encompasses the nexus between the consideration of the self and that of another. In terms of identity, being involved in a reciprocal relationship does involve a certain sense of posessiveness regardless of how this happens. Attachment accompanies desire (you'd know what I mean Todd), and so in a polygamous/polyamorous setting, one would expect the compromises made to be greater.
That said, I do personally know a polyamorous trio, and from what I can understand, at this point in time, it seems to be the best option. As to if it would last or whether tensions wouldn't inevitably break up, I cannot be sure.