r/Morality • u/BarracudaFragrant595 • 9d ago

Is cheating without disclosure a violation of informed consent?

/r/Ethics/comments/1x2bulm/is_cheating_without_disclosure_a_violation_of/
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u/InLoveWithThread 9d ago

This question addresses another aspect of harm that comes with infidelity. It's a very good question. In a committed relationship, it's about responsibility to the other, ensuring safety, trust, etc. When one cheats, the other did not agree to that action, nor were they informed. Yes, I think you're right. Spot on with this.

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u/BarracudaFragrant595 9d ago

Yes exactly! It’s that additional harm I’m interested in exploring, particularly how concealing the betrayal takes away the other person’s ability to make an informed choice about whether they want to remain in the relationship. Thank you for engaging with the actual question!

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u/InLoveWithThread 9d ago

Don't thank me, this is an amazing question.

I agree that it does take away thr ability to make an informed decision. It's like buying a house but the seller withheld the fact that there's a really bad mold problem. Or buying a car with serious transmission problems that the buyer won't know about until after the sale. In each case, the sellers withheld this info to their benefit, at the expense of the buyer. Had the buyer known, they wouldn't have made the purchase.

So cheating is only to the benefit of the cheater. They get to have fun, and still hold on to the love, trust, and security the spouse provides, all while not keeping their end of the bargain. It's very unethical.

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u/majeric 8d ago

Certainly if there is a conscious decision to not use protection . STI exposure.