Non Religious Responses To Moral Issues Arising From Marriage

Question 1

What is arranged marriage

Answer 1

Arranged marriage is where parents will look for a suitable match for their child, usually within their community

Question 2

Moral Issue Arising From Arranged Marriage

Answer 2

A moral issue raised by arranged marriage is that it lacks the most important concept of marriage, love.

Question 3

Implication of Arranged Marriage

Answer 3

An implication of this is that families will value practical qualities, such as occupation, wealth, religious compatibility over more important concepts such as sexual attraction and love.

Question 4

Utilitarian Response To Arranged Marriage

Answer 4

Utilitarianism is a consequentialist moral theory which states that an action can only be ‘good’ if it has ‘good’ results. Utilitarianism proposes that an action is right in so far as it produces the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.

Question 5

Implication of Utilitarian Response To Arranged Marriage

Answer 5

An implication of this is that although arranged marriages may remove personal choice from the couple, their families will be happy with the union, and will support the couple as their relationship develops and love grows.

Question 6

Consequence of Utilitarian Response To Arranged Marriage

Answer 6

A consequence of this view is that marriages may last longer and be happier if extended families are supportive, which is more important than person choice.

Question 7

My Opinion on Arranged Marriage

Answer 7

I agree with this response to some extent. While love and attraction are important, having shared values and strong bonds with your family/community are far more important for a long-lasting relationship. Love can develop over time, and it is more likely to be lasting if a couple share their culture, lifestyle, work ethic and have the support of family and friends.

Question 8

What is Forced Marriage

Answer 8

A forced marriage is where one or both people do not or cannot consent to the marriage and pressure or abuse is used to force them into the marriage. Forced marriage is a form of domestic abuse and a serious abuse of human rights.

Question 9

A Consequence of Forced Marriage

Answer 9

A consequence of forced marriage is the physical pressure might take the form of threats or violence (including sexual violence)

Question 10

Kantian Response To Forced Marriage

Answer 10

Kantian ethics is deontological, meaning that it focuses on the inherent nature of actions rather than their consequences. Kant said actions should be guided by principles that could be universally applied without contradiction. He emphasised the importance of moral duty and acting out of respect for the inherent worth and dignity of individuals.

Question 11

Implication of Kantian Ethics on Forced Marriage

Answer 11

An implication of this is that forced marriage will never be the result of a Good Will because a family has a duty to protect its daughters and forcing them to marry someone against their will does not fulfil this duty

Question 12

Further Implication of Kantian Ethics on Forced Marriage

Answer 12

A further implication of the Kantian response is that forced marriage is not compatible with the Categorical Imperative as forcing someone to do something is not respecting their personhood.

Question 13

My Opinion on Forced Marriage

Answer 13

I strongly agree with the Kantian response to forced marriage. All human beings are owed respect because they are free rational beings. Therefore, they must be treated with dignity. Forcing someone to marry against their will removes the value we place on human life, and is using people as a means to an end, which I agree is never morally acceptable.

Question 14

Divorce

Answer 14

The most common causes of divorce are adultery, difficult behaviour and desertion.

Question 15

Implication of Divorce

Answer 15

An implication of this issue is that divorce is the easy way out of difficulties and that people should make a greater effort to heal the problems in their marriages, especially if they have children

Question 16

What is Humanism

Answer 16

Humanism is a non-religious ethical theory which affirms that human beings have the right and responsibility to give meaning and shape to their own lives.

Question 17

Humanism 2

Answer 17

Humanists support the right of unhappy couples or individuals to divorce, and think that divorce should be easy to access for both parties, have ‘no fault’ grounds, and should not be stigmatised.

Question 18

Consequence of Humanism on Divorce

Answer 18

A consequence of this response is that humanists will always look to protect individual freedom and personal autonomy, which means helping people to leave unhappy marriages.

Question 19

My Opinion on Divorce

Answer 19

I strongly agree with this response because there are many reasons why marriages breakdown, including infidelity and domestic violence, and no one has the right to force someone to remain in a marriage to someone who mistreats them.