What’s Good About (and What Is) Marriage?

Most of today’s discussions over marriage and the family start from a basic assumption shared

by both their defenders and their detractors: marriage is one among many relationship

options offered to an individual. Consequently, the family will be whatever one makes of it. In

this seminar, we will explore the possibility of different premises. We will wonder whether it is

not the individual, but the family composed of a man and a woman united in a permanent,

comprehensive, and exclusive union and open to procreation, that forms the backbone of

society. We will investigate today’s dating strategies, look at the benefits of committing, and

discuss different family experiences. We will explore all sorts of theories, from Robert P. George

to Simone De Beauvoir. Our readings will include sociological studies, court decisions, and

theatrical plays.

 All are welcome.

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P.S. The assigned readings are not small – but they are worth your time.