SE: THEORIES Flashcards
What does NL state about right and wrong?
They are fixed truths.
What does Aquinas state about sex?
“The natural style of intercourse is to be observed”.
What aspect of NL does the CC draw heavily upon?
Procreation, which is central to the purpose of sexual intercourse and marriage.
What does NL state about sex for pleasure?
It is an apparent good, not a real good.
What extreme example does Fletcher give?
The woman in a prison of war camp, who asked a guard to have sex with her and impregnate her so that she could leave the camp.
Why has Fletcher’s example been criticised?
For being too extreme.
How does Fletcher defend his example?
Claims that exceptional circumstances were the point of SE, to deal with moral decisions when the usual moral rules don’t apply.
What approach does SE take?
Pragmatic.
What is SE always open to?
Breaking traditional ethical rules, because decisions are made situationally.
What are the five things at the heart of Kantian Ethics?
- Freedom/Autonomy.
- Consensual promises.
- Considering value.
- Dignity.
- Equality.
How does the second formulation of the CI apply to sexual ethics?
Means to an end - don’t treat others as a means to your own pleasure.
What is sex within marriage about for Kant?
Union and sexual enjoyment, not just procreation.
What is utilitarianism often called?
Libertarianism.
How is the ‘harm principle’ applicable?
Important in the case of extramarital affairs - cause harm long term.
What does Utilitarianism praise?
Contraception - avoids unwanted pregnancies, HIV, STIs.
What did Bentham want?
The greatest wellbeing for everyone, believed that the rules of marriage protect those involved against pre and extra marital sex.
What was Mill concerned with?
The extent to which religion forbids certain behaviours, moving away from the constraints of religion.
What four things was Mill focused on?
- Artificial contraception being available to the poor.
- Women’s rights.
- Gender equality.
- Marriage that promotes equal partnership.
What does Mill state about sex in ‘On Liberty’?
“a principle of perfect quality, admitting no power or privilege on the one side.”
What is the issue with Aquinas seeing things as ‘natural’?
Is an unnatural act always wrong if it is mutual and consented to?
Why is NL illogical?
It is illogical to say that an infertile couple cannot have sex.
Why is Aquinas’ view tainted?
Aquinas himself was celibate.
What does Leiser state in criticism of normative ethical approaches?
To condemn people for using their sexual organs for pleasure, reveals prejudices and irrational taboos.
What did Kant believe about homosexuality?
“demeans man below the beast”.
What did Kant believe about homosexuality?
“demeans man below the beast”.
What does Schopenhauer state about Kant’s view on sex?
If his own principle of universal laws was applied to celibacy then, as with homosexuality, the whole human race would disappear.
