Monogamy
Overview
Monogamy /Gr.
μονός+γάμος (monos+gamos) - one+marriage/ a form of marriage
in which an individual has only one spouse at any one time. In current usage monogamy often refers to having one sexual partner irrespective of marriage or reproduction. The term is applied also to the social behavior of some animals, referring to the state of having only one mate
at any one time.
The word monogamy comes from the Greek words "μονός", monos which means one or alone, and "γάμος", gamos which means marriage.
Traditionally there are two meanings of monogamy: one is applied to marriage
of human beings described specifically by Aristotelianism
and Thomism
as rational animals (in Latin
: animal rationale).
Greek language
Greek is an independent branch of the Indo-European family of languages. Native to the southern Balkans, it has the longest documented history of any Indo-European language, spanning 34 centuries of written records. Its writing system has been the Greek alphabet for the majority of its history;...
μονός+γάμος (monos+gamos) - one+marriage/ a form of marriage
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
in which an individual has only one spouse at any one time. In current usage monogamy often refers to having one sexual partner irrespective of marriage or reproduction. The term is applied also to the social behavior of some animals, referring to the state of having only one mate
Mating
In biology, mating is the pairing of opposite-sex or hermaphroditic organisms for copulation. In social animals, it also includes the raising of their offspring. Copulation is the union of the sex organs of two sexually reproducing animals for insemination and subsequent internal fertilization...
at any one time.
The word monogamy comes from the Greek words "μονός", monos which means one or alone, and "γάμος", gamos which means marriage.
Traditionally there are two meanings of monogamy: one is applied to marriage
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
of human beings described specifically by Aristotelianism
Aristotelianism
Aristotelianism is a tradition of philosophy that takes its defining inspiration from the work of Aristotle. The works of Aristotle were initially defended by the members of the Peripatetic school, and, later on, by the Neoplatonists, who produced many commentaries on Aristotle's writings...
and Thomism
Thomism
Thomism is the philosophical school that arose as a legacy of the work and thought of St. Thomas Aquinas, philosopher, theologian, and Doctor of the Church. In philosophy, his commentaries on Aristotle are his most lasting contribution...
as rational animals (in Latin
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
: animal rationale).
Quotations
Monogamy among animals is a matter of biology. So is monogamy among human beings. But in the human case, monogamy is more. It is also a matter of psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, law, ethics, theology, literature, history, philosophy, and most of the remaining humanities and social sciences as well.
My husband was not faithful. He thought monogamy was a Mahogany|type of wood. I'm like, "Honey, no — monogamy's when you just sleep with your wife." He's like, "No,— that's wikt:monotony|monotony."
Andrea Walker, comedian, Funny Ladies, Vol. 3 (2004)