Analyzing Infidelity

In the magazine Psychology Today, there is an entire section titled: "Infidelity: Who Cheats, and Why?". To me, this point in itself proves that the mass occurrences of extramarital relationships are becoming an epidemic. I chose the article "Are You Tempted By Adultery Even Though You Think It's Wrong." In this Op.Ed. piece, Dr. Mark White investigates the moral philosophy of cheating as well as the thoughts of all parties involved. Looking at adultery through the eyes of famous philosopher Immanuel Kant, "although we are rational beings, we are also physical beings; essentially, we are beasts who are aware we are beasts, and have the power to control our desires and inclinations, a power which is called autonomy." We as beasts have temptations. We as rationalists have the power to resist. Conclusively, Dr. White says that infidelity is a matter of affect or passion. Affect is when a person resists the temptation using avoidance (staying away from temptress) or reinforcement (calls significant other more times per day). Passion is when a person realized that their judgment has been negatively influenced. By becoming aware of this, the person's thoughts will slowly lessen.