Cafe Inquiry is our monthly casual get-together to meet people and discuss topics of science and humanism.
Topic: Marriage
--How has marriage changed historically?
--Does the state have a legitimate interest in marriage? Should the state have any role in creating laws or incentives for marriage? Should marriage be solely a religious institution?
--Should married citizens receive benefits that single citizens do not such as tax benefits, insurance, pensions, etc.?
--What players benefit from a state or religious interest in marriage? What groups are diminished?
--Is monogamy an essential component to marriage? Should polygamous marriages be legal? Why or why not?
--Is marriage inherently patriarchal? Is egalitarian marriage possible? What factors inhibit or foster egalitarian marriage?
--Will the increasing acceptance of gay marriage change the character of marriage as an institution?
--How integral to society is marriage? Could we reorganize the functions that take place in the family without marriage?
--Is marriage the best institution to provide for the care and raising of children? What is the best way to foster a healthy environment for raising children?
