ABSTRACT
This chapter examines both the practice of ethical nonmonogamy and societies’ resistance to it raise wider philosophical issues, with implications for understanding other forms of sex and love. It considers resistance to nonmonogamy in North American society, considering both its effects and its sources. The chapter explores challenges, ways in which the potential benefits of nonmonogamy may be bound up with potential losses, or at least difficulties. In a 2004 article, legal theorist Elizabeth Emens examines social resistance to nonmonogamy; through examples and an exploration of the values associated with ethical nonmonogamy, she counters this resistance and gives a strong positive defense of nonmonogamous practices. In our culture the desire to have sex and love in ways that transcend monogamy is regarded as something to lie about, but embracing ethical nonmonogamy means openness and honesty about these desires. Hostility to nonmonogamy has very real and practical consequences.
