Bisexuality is a term used to describe people who experience romantic, physical, and/or emotional attraction towards both men and women. It challenges traditional ideas about sexual orientation which are based on binary categories such as "gay" or "straight". Bisexuals' ability to be attracted to more than one gender can destabilize society's conception of monogamy and non-monogamy, raising philosophical questions about desire, commitment, and morality.
Sexual ethics
Traditional sexual ethics prioritizes heterosexual marriage as the ideal form of relationship. This view presupposes that there are only two genders and that they should be paired up in exclusive relationships.
Bisexuality undermines this idea by suggesting that people can love and be loved by members of different genders. Some argue that bisexuality promotes promiscuity since it allows for multiple partners and infidelity. Others believe that bisexuality threatens marriages because it may lead to extramarital affairs. Nevertheless, many bi couples reject these arguments and maintain stable, loving relationships with each other and their spouses.
Desire
Philosophers have long debated whether desire is something we choose or something we feel. In terms of sexual desire, some believe that our choices shape our desires while others argue that our desires determine our choices. Bisexuality complicates this debate by showing that desire does not always fit into neat categories like male-female or gay-straight.
A person may experience attraction towards men but also have romantic feelings for women. While the philosopher Foucault argued that desire is inherently political, bisexuality suggests otherwise - people don't necessarily choose who they desire based on their politics.
Commitment
Bisexuality challenges the notion that commitment means monogamy. Polyamory is a term used to describe relationships involving more than two people, which is often associated with non-monogamy. Many polyamorous individuals identify as bisexual since it affirms their ability to have intimate relationships with people of all genders. This raises questions about the value of exclusivity in relationships and whether openness is better suited for fulfilling human needs. Some argue that monogamy can be a form of oppression, while others believe it is necessary for healthy relationships.
Bisexuality highlights the complex nature of commitment and its connection to sexual orientation.
How does bisexuality question conventional sexual ethics and provoke philosophical reflection on desire, commitment, and morality?
Bisexuality challenges traditional ideas about sexual orientation by defying gender binaries and sexual norms. Bisexuals can be attracted to both men and women, which raises questions about their identity, social expectations, and moral obligations towards their partners. This has sparked intense debates on whether bisexuality is just a phase, a choice, or a legitimate sexual orientation that deserves equal recognition as heterosexuality and homosexuality.