Chapter 19: ethics, religion and sexuality

Question 1

Hedonism

Answer 1

The ultimate goals of human life is to pursue pleasure, avoid pain and fulfil the physical needs and desires.

Question 2

Astceticism

Answer 2

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.

Question 3

Legalism

Answer 3

Following a moral law or set of principles that come from outside the individual (like religion).

Question 4

Situationism

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

Classical Greek philosophy

Answer 5

Overall accepted sexuality openly, but thought that virtue comes form wisdom and the avoidance of violet passions.

Question 6

Plato

Answer 6

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).

Question 7

Epicurus (stoicism)

Answer 7

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.

Question 8

Judaism

Answer 8

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.

Question 9

View on sexuality in Hebrew scriptures.

Answer 9

• 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

Question 10

Polygyny

Answer 10

One man having multiple wives.

Question 11

Concubinage

Answer 11

A sexual relationship between a man and a women who can not marry / don’t want to marry.

Question 12

Stoicism

Answer 12

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.

Question 13

Early Christian church

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

St.Paul (apostle)

Answer 14

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.

Question 15

Sex negativity and the bible

Answer 15

Sex negativity is not rooted in the bible, but shaped by the philosophies that shaped early Christianity: stoicism and neoplatonism).

Question 16

The middle ages

Answer 16

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.

Question 17

Protestantism

Answer 17

Abandoned clerical celibacy and placed higher value on marriage and family life.

Question 18

Humanism

Answer 18

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.

Question 19

Islam

Answer 19

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.

Question 20

The 4 approaches of Hinduism

Answer 20

1. Karma: the pursuit of pleasure.
2. Artha: the pursuit of wealth.
3. Dharma: the pursuit of the moral life. (ascetic).
4. Koksha: the pursuit of liberation through the negotiation of the self and a state of being that is known as nirvana. (ascetic).

Question 21

The 3 approaches of Buddhism

Answer 21

1. Theravada: restriction of desires that bring joy.
2. Mahayana: directed towards the love of others.
3. Tantric: sexual expression can lead to spiritual enlightment.

Question 22

Artificial insemination

Answer 22

By the husband (AIH) or by a donor (AID)

Question 23

In vitro fertilisation (IVF)

Answer 23

Often results in 6 or more embryo’s, which make the survival rate low and the risk for disability very high.

Question 24

Somatic cell nucleus transfer

Answer 24

Cloning technology whereby genetic material from an adult cell for the nucleus in an egg is used (only succeeded in sheeps).

Question 25

Therapeutic cloning

Answer 25

Cloning cells for someone to treat a disease, can be promising in neurological diseases like Alzheimers.

Question 26

Middle group approach

Answer 26

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.