21110312335

UZOMA OGBOR
ECONOMICS YEAR 2
GST 204: PEACE STUDIES, CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND
ETHICS
09/06/2023

Title: The Meaning of Marriage: Love, Partnership, and Commitment

(AI GENERATED)

Introduction (100 words)

Marriage is a profound institution that carries significant meaning and symbolism across cultures
and time. It represents a deep bond between two individuals, founded on love, partnership, and
commitment. The meaning of marriage encompasses a range of elements, including emotional
connection, shared goals, and the recognition of a lifelong commitment. This essay delves into
the multifaceted meaning of marriage, exploring its emotional, social, and personal significance
in fostering love, growth, and a sense of belonging.

Emotional Connection and Intimacy (200 words)

At the heart of marriage lies emotional connection and intimacy. It is within the sacred union of
marriage that individuals find solace, understanding, and unconditional love. The emotional bond
established between partners forms a foundation for trust, support, and vulnerability. Marriage
provides a safe space where individuals can express their deepest emotions, fears, and dreams.
The meaning of marriage is rooted in the ability to foster an enduring emotional connection that
brings comfort, joy, and fulfillment to both partners.

Partnership and Shared Goals (200 words)

Marriage represents a partnership between two individuals who embark on a shared journey
through life. It involves a mutual commitment to support and uplift one another, sharing both
joys and challenges. Within the context of marriage, couples form a team, aligning their goals
and aspirations. They navigate life's complexities together, drawing strength from the support
and companionship provided by their marital bond. The meaning of marriage lies in the creation
of a strong partnership where individuals collaborate, grow, and achieve their shared dreams.

Commitment and Lifelong Devotion (200 words)

One of the most significant aspects of marriage is its inherent commitment and lifelong devotion.
Marriage signifies a promise to stand by each other's side through thick and thin, regardless of
the obstacles that may arise. The meaning of marriage lies in the unwavering dedication to the
relationship, demonstrating loyalty, fidelity, and sacrifice. It is a commitment to work through
challenges, to communicate and resolve conflicts, and to continuously nurture the bond.
Marriage encapsulates the essence of long-term commitment and the understanding that love
requires dedication, effort, and perseverance.

Family and Community Bonds (200 words)

Marriage extends beyond the couple itself, encompassing the creation of a family unit and
forging connections within the broader community. The meaning of marriage extends to the
responsibility of building a nurturing environment for the growth and well-being of children. It
provides a stable foundation where children can thrive, learning from the love, values, and
guidance of their married parents. Additionally, marriage fosters social connections, as couples
become integral parts of their families and communities, sharing celebrations, traditions, and
support networks. The bonds created through marriage contribute to the fabric of society,
promoting unity, belonging, and interconnectedness.

Personal Growth and Fulfillment (150 words)

Marriage holds the potential for personal growth and fulfillment. The meaning of marriage lies in
the transformative journey it offers to individuals. Through the challenges and triumphs
experienced within a committed relationship, individuals have the opportunity to learn, evolve,
and become the best versions of themselves. Marriage encourages self-reflection, empathy, and
compromise, fostering personal growth and self-awareness. The shared experiences and mutual
support within a marriage provide a platform for individuals to cultivate their strengths,
overcome their weaknesses, and pursue a fulfilling life journey.
Furthermore, the meaning of marriage lies in its ability to create a legacy. It is through marriage
that families are formed, and traditions, values, and wisdom are passed down through
generations. Marriage represents the continuation of a lineage, the preservation of family
heritage, and the hope for a better future.

Marriage is also a celebration of love and the power of human connection. It is a proclamation of
commitment and a declaration of devotion. The act of marrying is an expression of profound
love and a belief in the strength of the bond between two individuals. It is a testament to the
beauty of human relationships and the inherent need for companionship.

The meaning of marriage is a rich tapestry woven with threads of love, partnership, commitment,
and personal growth. It encompasses emotional connection, shared goals, and lifelong devotion.
Marriage represents the creation of a strong partnership where individuals find support,
understanding, and fulfillment. It extends beyond the couple, nurturing the growth of a family
unit and fostering community bonds. The inherent commitment of marriage promotes resilience
and provides a sense of stability in an ever-changing world. It offers a sanctuary where
individuals can find solace, comfort, and a sense of belonging. In a world that can often feel
chaotic and unpredictable, marriage provides a solid anchor, a constant presence that brings
reassurance and security.

Ultimately, the meaning of marriage is subjective and deeply personal. It varies from culture to
culture, from person to person. While some may prioritize companionship and emotional
support, others may emphasize the importance of procreation and family-building. Regardless of
the individual interpretations, marriage remains a significant institution that continues to hold
deep meaning and relevance in the lives of countless individuals across the globe.
THE MEANING OF MARRIAGE: AN ETHICAL REVIEW OF AN AI PERSPECTIVE
Chatgpt concludes it essay noting that the meaning of marriage is subjective. I disagree.
“In its most developed form, marriage is best understood as a comprehensive, permanent and
exclusive union of a man and a woman oriented to family life and to the procreation and
education of offspring.” (Elegido, 2020)
Reading through the AI generated response, I could not help but develop bouts of awe for the
quality of the response to the subject matter. It touched on key concepts on the institution of
marriage such as emotional connection, lifelong commitment, family bonds and intimacy. It
mentioned sacrifice, fidelity, loyalty and perseverance- crucial fabrics that fortify a marriage. As
the AI impressively worded it- “unwavering dedication” to the ups and downs of long-term
intimacy. It calls the concept of marriage- multifaceted, almost likened to its deeper
conceptualization as the comprehensive union of a man and a woman. It even calls to the major
duty of spouses in a marriage- the procreation and well-being of children. On its face, this
response seems to be conclusive; giving one a near wholistic introduction to the ideas of
marriage. However, it is what it is- a mere introduction. And the concepts it puts forward- mere
ideas; rather than ideals.
The AI generated essay on the meaning of marriage, in my opinion, gives a shallow
interpretation of what the institution of marriage truly expects. One could read through and get a
basic idea of what marriage is- but not what it means to be married. Although the AI’s use of
academic grammar is commendable, one need not even read through the essay to reproduce a
similar body of work. The essay seems to project more a mix of words and jargon rather than a
deepened conceptualization on the subject matter.
From an academic perspective, producing new literature on ancient concepts as the meaning of
marriage calls for a more robust approach, not one which echoes common concepts we have all
come to know from basic experience. Marriage and its ideals is not a simple commonplace
discourse. It is highly complex and controversial, especially in today’s world, where its meaning
seems to get vaguer with every new rendition. The essay talks of long-term commitment, but
does not emphasize permanence. It barely touches on controversial issues as divorce, abusive
relationships and modern standards for spouses. The essay seems more fairytale representation
than ideal emphasis. It doesn’t discuss the practicality of marriage ideals to the modern-day
situation- and what is the study of ethics if not a practical application? One shouldn’t seek such a
subject expecting an introduction to marriage, but rather a practical guide of marriage ideals, and
how to best navigate its tenets for the deepest intimacy and personal/collective fulfilment. The
AI falls short in this regard.
In our modern-day, ideas as ‘Co-habitation’ threaten the traditional institution of marriage and
this is evident in the AI’s lack of emphasis on the importance of marriage in its true form.
Marriage isn’t merely a couple living under the same roof; it is the “union of minds and wills”
(Elegido, 2020). Marriage doesn’t merely aid the nurturing of children; Children need a
marriage. In all its permanence and exclusivity. In all its comprehensiveness. Marriage doesn’t
just require sacrifice, but is active sacrifice. This is the comprehensiveness of marriage. Marriage
is not a puzzle made with pieces of virtue. Marriage is each and every virtue in its completeness
coming as one- much like a man and a woman, complete in their own respect, but coming
together as the greater whole.
The modern view of marriage is one ridden with cavities. Such is the nature of this AI generated
response. Married couples understand intimacy and union. But do they emphasize permanence
and sacrifice? Does the modern couple see divorce as a moral decision with negative impact? Do
they seek permanent union as a means of self-giving (concern for others) or a mere check off a
list? Is marriage to be seen as an intrinsic good, the greatest manifestation of close interpersonal
relationships, or is it a burden to the modern man?
These ethical concerns- left unanswered by Chatgpt.

References
Elegido, J.M. (2020) , Introduction to Ethics . Lagos: Pan-Atlantic University Press.