It is too easy to accept social cliches, and consequently further possible misunderstandings between men and women, when trying to understand "the differences."
There is a plethora of scientific evidence about why men are promiscuous. One of many books written by scientist, Richard Dawkins, addresses this issue. In his 1990 book, "THE SELFISH GENE," Dawkins states that in genetic terms the instinct to procreate is not a singular event, but that procreation is promoted by an individual's whole gene pool to replicate: it is the reason we (ahem) need to get it on. This drive is an unconscious, instinctive primal urge to multiply. Men may not know why they want to bed every woman, but Dawkins explains this instinct clearly.
Simply, he states that the time investment a man makes to procreate and further the engenderment of his gene pool -- and his individual replication -- is the time it takes to deposit his seed. His best investment, in genetic terms, is to deposit as many of his seeds in as many places that he can. Therefore, from this point of view, it is not variety that matters but quantity.
On the other hand, he demonstrates how women literally have to invest a tremendous amount of time during gestation, birth and nurture of her young so that she may replicate her own genes. Further, that during her occupied time, these nuture activities take her out of reproduction availability: a scientific demonstration of why women are unconsciously "so choosy."
There is no morality in this procreative procedure, it is Nature working at it's indifferent best to further its own. This reality does not sit well with many in that it doesn't include conscious decision, even if "desire" is instinctive.
While we, ourselves, examine many of Nature's workings with our own indifference, we have a brain which uses logic and reason to determine our individual motives and actions. Another "instinct" is conscious behavior. Consequently, our obligation to our own morality does not reside by copious facts uncovered by our insatiable quest for understanding the experience of being human. Regardless of any fact, conscious decision making resides within. Further, how we create and act upon our developing individual ethics, values, and morality always include personal choice. Personal responsibility starts "at home."
Personally, I believe that it is a homage to combine science with morality. Our legacy can include encouraging the coexistence of differences, while seeking to understand and have empathy toward them. Daniel C. Dennett, in his book "Consciousness Explained", insists "... when we finally understand consciousness -- when there is no more mystery -- our view of consciousness will be different, but there will still be more room than ever for awe."
NOTE: For those of you who write that, "Yeah (or No) BUT ... it's a CHOICE," reread paragraph six!!!
Comments