Chapter 19: ethics, religion and sexuality Flashcards
Hedonism
The ultimate goals of human life is to pursue pleasure, avoid pain and fulfil the physical needs and desires.
Astceticism
There is more to life than material aspects. This must be transcended to achieve true humanity. Sex is neutral at best and evil at worst, self-discipline is appreciated. An ascetic lifestyle is characterised by the absence of sexual pleasure to pursue spiritual goals.
Legalism
Following a moral law or set of principles that come from outside the individual (like religion).
Situationism
There are broad general guidelines for ethical behaviour, but each ethical decision should be made according to individual and situational factors involved. In sexuality: focussen on relationships instead of rules.
Classical Greek philosophy
Overall accepted sexuality openly, but thought that virtue comes form wisdom and the avoidance of violet passions.
Plato
Intellectual love leads towards immortality and it therefore a good thing. Form this definition of sexless love came the term ‘platonic love’. He also approved pederasty: a relationship between an older and a younger man (often his teacher).
Epicurus (stoicism)
The goal of life is ataraxia: a tranquil state between pleasure and pain where the mind is unaffected by emotions. Sex is not evil, but less important than wisdom and virtue.
Judaism
The view of sexuality is fundamentally positive since God creates the differences between males and females on purpose. There is a command to marry and to procreate in marriage.
View on sexuality in Hebrew scriptures.
- Sex is a deep and intimate part of a relationship, not just a biological function.
- Sex can not be separated form it’s social consequences, there are laws to regulate this.
- Sexual behaviour is an aspect of national and religious loyalty
Polygyny
One man having multiple wives.
Concubinage
A sexual relationship between a man and a women who can not marry / don’t want to marry.
Stoicism
A philosophy that focuses on finding internal happiness by using internal factors. Emphasises the importance of staying pure before marriage. Sexuality is something to be managed and thought about, but other things in life are more important.
Early Christian church
Insisted on monogamy. This seems strict, but can be seen as a step towards equality: men were no longer aloud to have multiple wives as possessions.
St.Paul (apostle)
Had a positive view on sexuality and said that it was an interpersonal and spiritual implication and not just a biological one. He promoted sex for pleasure and allowed same-gender relationships.
Sex negativity and the bible
Sex negativity is not rooted in the bible, but shaped by the philosophies that shaped early Christianity: stoicism and neoplatonism).
The middle ages
Everything natural was seen as ‘good’ and everything unnatural was seen as ‘sinful’ (homosexuality, masturbation etc.). The church said that sex was evil and only good for procreation.
Protestantism
Abandoned clerical celibacy and placed higher value on marriage and family life.
Humanism
The goal of life is self-awareness, the avoidance of pain and the fulfilment of basic human needs. Seeks real relationships between people and condemns impersonal and exploitative relationships.
Islam
The classical islam values sexuality very positively. Muhammad saw intercourse and marriage as the highest goods of human life. Polygyny is forbidden and adultery is a sin.
The 4 approaches of Hinduism
- Karma: the pursuit of pleasure.
- Artha: the pursuit of wealth.
- Dharma: the pursuit of the moral life. (ascetic).
- Koksha: the pursuit of liberation through the negotiation of the self and a state of being that is known as nirvana. (ascetic).
The 3 approaches of Buddhism
- Theravada: restriction of desires that bring joy.
- Mahayana: directed towards the love of others.
- Tantric: sexual expression can lead to spiritual enlightment.
Artificial insemination
By the husband (AIH) or by a donor (AID)
In vitro fertilisation (IVF)
Often results in 6 or more embryo’s, which make the survival rate low and the risk for disability very high.
Somatic cell nucleus transfer
Cloning technology whereby genetic material from an adult cell for the nucleus in an egg is used (only succeeded in sheeps).
Therapeutic cloning
Cloning cells for someone to treat a disease, can be promising in neurological diseases like Alzheimers.
Middle group approach
Would affirm the goodness of human sexuality, while insisting that sexual choices must be responsible and based on collective experience, reasoned understanding and well-informed conscience.
