Sexual Ethics Flashcards
What is pre marital sex
Sex before marriage
What is extramarital sex
Sex outside of a marriage, where at least one party is married
What does natural law say generally about sexual ethics
Sex is only moral in a heterosexual monogamous marriage
Where does the primary precept ‘reproduce’ come from
The purpose of the sexual organs is to reproduce, and we have a natural inclination to do good (fulfill our purpose)
What primary precepts does marriage come from
Reproduce
Ordered society
How does divine law support natural laws views on pre marital sex
It says it is better to marry than be consumed by sexual lust, implying that the alternative to marriage is celibacy
What does natural law say about premarital sex
Not moral - a baby born out of wedlock does not contribute to ordered society, and when done without the intention of pregnancy it is not following the primary precept to reproduce
What does natural law say about extramarital sex
Immoral as it does not contribute to ordered society and is often not done with the purpose of reproduction
What does situation ethics say about premarital sex
Not necessarily immoral provided that it is based on love
Why does situation ethics not support premarital sex that is not based on love
Promiscuity is not moral as it ignores the dignity of individuals and we shouldn’t confuse Eros (sexual desire) with agape
What does situation ethics say about extramarital sex
May be permissable in some extreme circumstances
E.g: patriotic prostitution - female agent has sex with an enemy agent to get information that will save lives
E.g: sacrificial adultery - woman in a Russian war camp gets impregnated by guard so she is free to go home to her family
How do the 4 working principles link to situation ethics approach to extramarital sex
Principle of pragmatism - ends justify the means
Principle of relativism - what is moral depends on situation
What kantian ethics say about sexual ethics generally
Sex is only moral in a heterosexual monogamous marriage
Why is Kant against extramarital and premarital sex
Reason is what separates us from animals - we need to use this reason and not be driven by desire
Sex can only be done in a marriage because this is the only way that allows reason and desire to be aligned
How does persons as ends link to Kantian ethics view on sexual ethics
In order to treat people as ends in themselves, sex must be freely given, absolutely equal and mutually consenting - this can only happen in a marriage
How does universal law apply to extramarital sex
Extramarital sex involves breaking the promises made in marriage
Breaking promises cannot be universalised as it would lead to a logical contradiction, so it is not moral
What does act utilitarianism say about premarital sex
Could be used to support an unregulated approach to sexual behaviour
What does rule utilitarianism say about premarital sex
Evidence suggests that married couples are happier and healthier, so it is immoral
What does act utilitarianism say about extramarital sex
Pain and harm that it causes outweighs any initial pleasure
What does rule utilitarianism say about extramarital sex
May not support because monogamy tends to bring about greater satisfaction
What do other versions of utilitarianism say about extramarital sex
Richard Taylor argues that extramarital sex is moral because passionate love is the greatest good
What does act utilitarianism say about homosexuality
Bentham had no problem with homosexuality, is treated no differently to heterosexuality
What does rule utilitarianism say about homosexuality
Mill distinguished between higher and lower pleasures, which meant that the happiness of the homosexual minority could be put above the pain of those who oppose homosexuality
What might other versions of utilitarianism say about homosexuality
Strong rule may argue it is immoral if the majority of people are against it
