Sexual ethics

Question 1

What quote does Richard Holloway use on human sexuality?

Answer 1

“Human sexuality is like a runaway car”. It can be destructive or creative, but we are never quite in control of it.

Question 2

How did Pythagoreanss view sex?

Answer 2

He believed that humans should refrain from physical activities and live a more ascetic life. In this way the soul, which is imprisoned in the body, is freed to mote to a new form.

Question 3

How did Greek philosophers originally view sex?

Answer 3

They saw sex as something weakening to the mind. However, for the Grreks sexuality is naturally excessive and so the moral problem is not whether it is right or wrong but how to control it. This did no involve laws which prohibited certain sexual acts, but required individual self-discipline.

Question 4

How has Plato’s model been interpreted in relation to sexual relationship?

Answer 4

In his model of the soul as the charioteer with his two horses; the beautiful white horse that is a model of self-control and responds to the spoken word, and the ugly black horse that needs controlling with a whip. There are in this many levels of interpretation as far as sexual desire/pleasure is concerned- the desire needs controlling but it is allowed to exist; after all, the charioteer needs both of his horses.

Question 5

How did the Cynics view sex?

Answer 5

They saw no point in controlling sexual desire/pleasure and saw no shame attached to the sexual act, even going so far as to perform it in public.

Question 6

How did the Stoics view sex?

Answer 6

THe Stoics reacted totally against the Cynics, and advocated overcoming any emotions that threaten self-control- the Stoics were the original ‘stiff upper lips’ and sex became linked to reproduction and the continuation of the human race.

Question 7

what view does the Old Testament have to sex?

Answer 7

The Old Testament is a reflection of its times and does not seem to have one particular view on sex and relationship. Many sexual acts are recounted in a factual way, without judgement.

Question 8

How is sex portrayed in Genesis 1 and 2?

Answer 8

There is an understanding that sex is created by God and meant for procreation. However, sex is not seen as wrong but good; yet the contradictions also appear, as sex should not be practised in sinful ways. Sex is a gift from God. “Be fruitful and increase in number”- purpose procreation?

Question 9

What does the story of Lot in Genesis 19 suggest about sexual ethics?

Answer 9

Rape or those under protection is not permitted; or homosexual relations? Incestious rape to preserve the family line is suggested as acceptable.

Question 10

What does Leviticus suggest about sexual ethics?

Answer 10

Adultery is not permitted. Arguably homosexual acts are not permitted. Incestuous relationships aren’t permitted. Bestiality is not permitted.

Question 11

What does 1 Kings suggest about sexual ethics?

Answer 11

Sexual involvement with non-Israelites was forbidden, as it would lead away from God.

Question 12

What does the teaching of Jesus suggest about sexual ethics?

Answer 12

Jesus himself said very little about sex; in fact he gave very few rules and instructions, but called his followers to live as part of the kingdom of God, to reflect through their lives God’s love for all people and to live justly with each other. As far as sex and relationships are concerned, Jesus seems to have left the issues open.

Question 13

What does Jesus say about divorce?

Answer 13

It is not possible to be sure what he said of what he meant in his teachings about marriage and divorce. However, it is clear that Jesus is challenging the view of the wife as the man’s property- he is talking more about equality than about sexual relationships. One thing is clear however, and this is that Jesus is setting out an ideal and divorce falls short of it.

Question 14

What was much of Paul’s writing influenced by?

Answer 14

His expectation of the imminent return of Christ and the end of the world. There was not much point in giving a detailed ethic on sex and relationships, as all human relationships were soon to end. Additionally, he was influenced by Greek thinking, attempting to move the CHristian people away from the body towards the soul.

Question 15

What does St Paul say in 1 Corinthians?

Answer 15

That Christians should not let their bodily emotions control them, that sexual activity is to be kept within marriage, that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and should be respected.

Question 16

What quotes does St Paul say about sexual ethics?

Answer 16

“The fornicator sins against the body itself. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own?”

Question 17

Why can St Paul’s views be considered inconsistent?

Answer 17

Sometimes he was positive about women, saying all are equal “For all of you are one in CHrist Jesus”, yet elsewhere he argues that women should “be subject to your husband as you are to the Lord”, thus returning to the Old Testament view of the wife as the property of the man. WHen he is positive about marriage and does not just consider it for the weak-willed, he compares it with the relationship between Christ and his Church.

Question 18

What was the view of Gnosticism on sex?

Answer 18

Central to Gnostic teaching was an intense dislike of the body and its needs, a total pessimism about sexuality which infiltrated the early Church.

Question 19

What did Augustine say sex was?

Answer 19

A Necessary evil.

Question 20

Why did Augustine teach that sex was ‘dangerous’?

Answer 20

He argued that the devil uses women to lead men away from reason, and pleasure in sex leads men away from reason. For Augustine the problem, and the solution, dated back to Creation and the Fall. Adam and Eve, he concluded must have been made for procreation, though they would not have needed to procreate before the Fall, or at least would have experienced no desire or pleasure. However, God knew that Eve would take the fruit and so prepared for the consequences. Therefore, sexual desire is a constant reminder of man’s rebellion against God- it is our original sin.

Question 21

What did Pelagius believe about sex?

Answer 21

He believed that sexual desire could be controlled by the will.

Question 22

What did Augustine say was the idea of sexual relationships?

Answer 22

For Augustine, chastity was the idea, but sex was allowed, so long as it was not enjoyed, within marriage.

Question 23

What was Thomas Aquinas’ view on sexual ethics based on?

Answer 23

Aquinas based his thinking about sex and relationship on his understanding of Natural Law, in which he attempted to unite the thinking of Aristotle with Christian theology.

Question 24

What did Thomas Aquinas believe about human life?

Answer 24

He believed that human life had a purpose or telos; good acts developed our human nature and bad acts went against human nature. Aquinas assumed that humans shared a common human nature and so general principles could be applied to everyone, everywhere and at all times.

Question 25

What did Thomas Aquinas believe was the purpose of sex?

Answer 25

Aquinas concluded that the purpose of the sexual organs and sexual activity was procreation, and any other use of sex was intrinsically wrong. Sex for Aquinas was to take place within the bounds of marriage, and must be open to the possibility or procreation.

Question 26

What two ways did Aquinas argue that sexual acts can be morally wrong?

Answer 26

1. Sex is wrong when 'the act of its nature is incompatible with the purpose of the sex act [procreation]. In so far as generation is blocked, we have unnatural vice, which is any complete sex from which its nature generation cannot follow." 2. Sexual acts can be morally wrong even if natural; in these cases, "conflict with right reason may arise from the nature of the act with respect to the other party" for example, incest, rape or adultery.

Question 27

What four examples does Aquinas give for unnatural sexual acts?

Answer 27

"The sin of self-abuse" (masturbation", "Intercourse with a thing of another species" (bestiality), acts with a person of the same sex (homosexuality), and acts in which "the natural style of intercourse is not observed, as regards proper organ or according to other rather beastly and monstrous techniques" (foreplay)

Question 28

What two important questions does Natural Law raise?

Answer 28

1. Is an 'unnatural act' always wrong, even if it is consummated with mutual and informed voluntary consent? 2. Are there some non-procreative sexual acts that might be natural to human beings? Do we, in fact, share a common nature, but might God have created a variety of human beings with different forms of sexual expression?

Question 29

How does the categorical imperative cause Immanuel Kant to take a conservative attitude to sexual ethics in many ways?

Answer 29

A husband who commits adultery cannot want extra-marital sex to be a universal law unless he wants his wife, children, parents and so on to also engage in extra-marital activities. Neither can homosexuality be universalized, since every homosexual is conceived through a heterosexual relationship- although artificial insemination could change this.

Question 30

What view does Kant hold on sexual ethics?

Answer 30

According to Kant, the pursuit of sexual pleasure is only allowed when serving more valuable goals, such as marriage. The categorical imperative does not allow people to be treated as a means to an end. The Kantian viewpoint seems to be that sexual acts are wrong in themselves, as the involve using another person for one's own pleasure, but this seems to apply to prostitution not marriage.

Question 31

What quote does Kant use about sexual love?

Answer 31

"Taken by itself sexual love is a degradation of human nature"

Question 32

What quote does Kant to say that people cannot be treated as a means to an end?

Answer 32

"As soon as a person becomes an object of appetite for another, all motives of moral relationship cease to function, because as an object of appetite for another, a person becomes a thing and can be treated and used as such by everyone."

Question 33

How does Kant view marriage?

Answer 33

Kant calls marriage a contract in which two people grant each other reciprocal rights, and so it is not about one person using or abusing another. Kant does not see sex within marriage as wrong, and the purpose of marriage is the union of two people of different sexes. Husband and wife are equal partners in this and sexual enjoyment is a right to be permitted within the partnership.

Question 34

When would Kant say sex is morally acceptable?

Answer 34

As long as one person is not using the other as a means to an end. He emphasises the contractual nature of sexual relationship. Using Kant's arguments, it is possible to say that providing sexual services is morally acceptable as long as no coercion is involves. Some forms of prostitution would be allowed, although not if people engage in it against their will, or if they could be harmed mentally or physically by it.

Question 35

How would a Kantian view pornography?

Answer 35

(with great joy) They would be opposed to pron because one is taking pleasure in looking at a person in such a way that they are thought of as mere things, mere means of obtaining sexual gratification.

Question 36

What are the strengths and weaknesses of Kantian ethics in relation to sexual ethics?

Answer 36

+ It does not allow degradation of people- focuses on dignitiy + It focuses on consensual approach -- It doesn't allow same sex relationships - It doesn't take into account the emotional side of the relationship.

Question 37

What are the Utilitarian reasons for having sex?

Answer 37

1. The value of pleasure 2. The contribution which shared pleasure makes to the value of a relationship 3. That consensual sex creates much good, and, if harm to another person is avoided, provides the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.

Question 38

What is the Utilitarian approach to sex and relationships often called?

Answer 38

Libertarian, as it allows consenting adults to do what they want and protects their freedom to do so. However, maximization of sexual pleasure does not mean 'free love' as there are consequences of the latter such as unwanted pregnancies and STD, and 'broken hearts'.

Question 39

What did Utilitarian arguments about sexual ethics include that many other ethical theories forget?

Answer 39

The emotional aspect of a good relationship and the emotional suffering caused by unfaithfulness and deceit.

Question 40

How does Utilitarianism approach sex and relationships?

Answer 40

With something more than the contractarian approach which emphasises the importance of mutual and voluntary informed consent. Under the contractarian approach sex is morally wrong if one or both of those involves lack a knowledgeable consent. However, even when a contract is involved, it does not mean that the sexual relationship is necessarily moral, for example, many have been forced into prostitution due to their status and poverty.

Question 41

How would Jeremy Bentham approach sexual ethics?

Answer 41

He may allow sex and 'relationship' as long as it is providing the greatest happiness for the greatest number. He argued that mutual consent for pleasure cannot make any sex act wrong if both partners are willing. However, he also asked whether such a relationship harmed society and caused unhappiness, either physical or moral.

Question 42

How would John Stuart Mill approach sexual ethics?

Answer 42

He also stressed that value of liberty and suggested that it should be a matter of individual choice, without state interference, "so long as we do not attempt to deprive others of theirs or impede their efforts to obtain it". However, he also argues that we should seek the 'higher pleasures' and that the goal of ethics is to seek the happiness of all b taking their needs and desires into account.

Question 43

What is the harm principle?

Answer 43

The belief that an act or consequence is morally permissible if no harm is done. Is important to utilitarianism.

Question 44

How should Utilitarianism approach sexual relationships?

Answer 44

They should be tolerant of people with non-traditional sexual orientations, except in cases that do great social harm. Masturbation is permissible, although sex and relationships without two people involved may be seen as meaningless, so taking away the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number. Queer relationships can be tolerated, although if homosexuality were the norm, it would be harmful to society. However, the harm principle is important, so short-term pleasure produced in cases such as affairs are not worth the ultimate pain and misery they can cause.

Question 45

How would virtue ethics consider sexual ethics?

Answer 45

They would consider what kind of sexual practices will tend to make a person more virtuous- those that involve taking pleasure in giving oneself to another and developing intimacy and commitment would make a person more virtuous, whereas those that use others for one's own pleasure would tend to make us less virtuous. Virtue ethics points to the enduring values of love and committment, honesty and loyalty, friendship and pleasure, and away from harmful traits such as exploitation and selfishness.

Question 46

How does Rosalind Hursthouse (virtue ethics) respond to sexual ethics?

Answer 46

According to her, virtue ethics implies that an action is right if it is what a virtuous person, who has and exercises the virtues, would characteristically do in the circumstances.

Question 47

How does Michael Slote (virtue ethics) respond to sexual ethics?

Answer 47

Him, as well as many modern virtue ethicists, emphasise the ethics of care in relationships, which requires a sort of three-way balance as far as sexual ethics are concerned: care for those who are near to us (intimate care); care for other people in general (Humanitarian care); and care for our own well-being (Self-care)

Question 48

How does virtue ethics say we should regard sex and relationships?

Answer 48

THis view implies tolerance towards others' approaches to sexual ethics, and it also accepts that we are responsible for our character and the moral choices we make. It also urges us to rediscover balance in human sexuality and in our relationships.

Question 49

What is modern popular thinking about sexual ethics influenced by?

Answer 49

By developments in psychology and sociology.

Question 50

What does Sigmund Freud say our view of sex is based on?

Answer 50

Each person's approach to sex and relationship is based on their upbringing and their relationship with their parents. He suggests that sexual personality may be found at the core of moral personality: how we behave towards sexual partners both influences and mirrors how we perceive and interact with people in general. So, the failure to learn to control the pursuit of sexual pleasure undermines the achievement of a virtuous character.

Question 51

Why does Freud disagree with Aquinas?

Answer 51

Unlike Aquinas, Freud considers that being moral may not accord with our real natures at all and so it is not possible to base an ethical theory on what we essentially are.

Question 52

What are traditional Christian ethics about sex and relationships based on?

Answer 52

The teachings of the Bible, Augustine and Aquinas.

Question 53

What does religious ethics say about sex?

Answer 53

Marriage is seen as the norm and the purpose of marriage is seen as fidelity, union and procreation. The unitive role of love is a comparatively modern element, and the role of sex in marriage as an expression of that love is also now recognised. Even sexual pleasure is seen as a gift from God- but only within the context of heterosexual marriage.

Question 54

What does Jack Dominian (Christian ethics) argue about sexual relationships?

Answer 54

He argues, not that sex is dangerous and needs marriage and procreation to protect it; but rather that sex is so powerful and meaningful that justice can only be done to it in a continuous and enduring relationship. He does not see premaritial sex, cohabitation or even one-off adultery as destroying this idea and even considers that homosexual sex is fine within a permanent loving relationship. He sees society as moving forward and the Church as needing to rethink but not reject its fundamental truths.

Question 55

How can the Bible be seen as divided in the issue of homosexuality?

Answer 55

THe literal interpretation of the Bible asserts that homosexuality is wrong, and the Spirit of the New Testament holds that it is the quality of the relationship which matters. There is still a question of the actual translation of the words in the Bible.

Question 56

What does RIchard Holloway say about the Christian Church's view on homosexuality?

Answer 56

As Richard Holloway points out, the impetus for social reform comes from society, not from within the Christian Church.

Question 57

What is the story of Onan (Genesis 38:9) seen as saying in regards to contraception?

Answer 57

It was interpretated as teaching that any form of contraception was wrong, although Onan's misdeed was his avoidance in producing an heir by his dead brother's wife, not the actual avoidance of pregnancy, so it comes down to interpertation.

Question 58

What does the Humanae Vitae, the encyclical of Pope Paul, in 1968 say about contraception>

Answer 58

It reaffirmed that the chief purpose of marriage was procreation and bringing up children, but did allow the use of the 'rhythm method' and other natural methods, as well as periods of sexual abstinence. It considered that the natural end of sexual intercourse was conception and anything that interfered with this was against the precepts of Natural Law and so unlawful..

Question 59

What did the 1997 Vatican Pontifical Council for the Family say about contraception?

Answer 59

It said that contraception was an intrinsic evil, 'gravely opposed to marital chasity' as not only did it stop procreation, but harmed true love between the couple and took away from God his role in the transmission of human life. Suggests that it could possibly encourage adultery.

Question 60

Why do some argument against the Catholic position of sexual ethics?

Answer 60

Arguments include the fact that most acts of intercourse do not lead to procreation and so it cannot be the primary purpose of sex. Also it is argued that the distinction between natural family planning and contraception have no morally significant differences as both are ways of ensuring that pregnancy does not take place, so the inteniton is the same. As the Catholic Church accepts natural family planning, it seems inconsistent in rejecting contraception.

Question 61

How would the Catholic Church respond to the criticism that they are inconsistent in accepting natural family planning but not other forms of contraception?

Answer 61

The Church argues that with natural family planning the possibility of pregnancy is still open whilst this is not the case with contraception.

Question 62

What is the Protestant Church view on Contraception?

Answer 62

It used to be the same as Catholics, but then in 1930 the Lambeth conference issues the first statement in favour of birth control and since then the views of Protestants have steadily changed, so that contraception is no longer regarded as a sin, and that the ue or non-use of contraception is up the individual conscience.

Question 63

What continues to be an ongoing debate among protestants about contraception?

Answer 63

There is still an ongoing discussion about which forms of contraception are allowed, with many rejecting any form of abortifacient contraception. In general, Protestants allow 'prudent family planning' so as to lead to responsible parenthood where each child is loved and wanted.

Question 64

How does the Eastern Orthodox Church view contraception?

Answer 64

Until the 1970s they were opposed to contraception, but now holds that contraception is acceptable within a Christian marriage if the method of contraception is not abortifacient, it is used with the blessing of a spiritual leader and children are not completely excluded from the marriage.

Question 65

How would Natural Law regard marriage?

Answer 65

The end purpose of sexual intercourse is procreation of the species or reproduction. Marriage is the normal itended state for most adults. The official teachning of the Catholic Church is that the purpose of sexuality is both unitive and procreative.

Question 66

How would Natural Law regard rape?

Answer 66

It would be seem as undermining an ordered society and does not respect the intrinsic rights of innocent people unlike consenting acts.

Question 67

How would Natural law regard contraception?

Answer 67

It does not allow for Natural procreation and so according to Aquinas' understanding of Natural Law it is intrinsically wrong. Pope Paul VI- Humanae Vitae 1968- condemned contraception as an intrinsic evil as it is contrary to natural law. THis has been reaffirmed by subsequent popes.

Question 68

How would Natural Law regard masturbation?

Answer 68

It does not allow for natural procreation and so according to Aquinas' understanding of natural law is intrinsically wrong. Unnatural self abuse, sinful, every sperm is sacred.

Question 69

How would Natural law regard adultery?

Answer 69

The purpose of sexuality is undermined by adultery. This is echoed by the Catechism.

Question 70

How would Utilitarianism regard marriage?

Answer 70

The consequentalist nature of utilitarianism and its focus on the pleasure/pain which arises from an action, leads us to analyse sex in a way of merely considering how pleasurable ti is. This means ti frequently doesn't have any set opinions on controversial issues.

Question 71

How would Utilitarianism regard rape?

Answer 71

On the issue of consent, whether a person consents to sex does not seem relevant to a Utilitarian. If one was to be involved in a sexual act without their consent but they got pleasure from this act, then consent was not necessary or 'good'. (What about the harm principle?)

Question 72

How would utilitarianism regard contraception?

Answer 72

It would support ideas such as 'safe sex' as the emphasis would be on the potential harm and limiting potential harm. THis would mean that it would be important to use contraception to avoid getting STD's.

Question 73

How would utilitarianism regard masturbation?

Answer 73

It does not condemn this, but rather argues for responsible behaviour rather than condemning certain types of behaviour as wrong, sinful or evil.

Question 74

How would Utilitarianism regard adultery?

Answer 74

It is not condemned in utilitarianism because there are times when refraining from adultery will not always maximise happiness. Presumably the hedonistic calculus would be applied in each case. Some would argue that it would be difficult to maintain how adultery would be proportionally beneficial in any circumstances. Others would argue that this is a subjective view.

Question 75

WHat is situation ethics?

Answer 75

Produced by Joseph Fletcher. It is concerned with having AGAPE love for all people, it requires self sacrifice and thinking about what is best for others irrespective of one's own gain or interest. Linked to Jesus golden rule. THis theory is relative to each situation.

Question 76

How would situation ethics regard marriage?

Answer 76

Sex does not have to be within the confines of a marriage. whilst situation ethics is based loosely on Christian ethics they would see marriage as desirable but it is not necessary for a sexual relationship. The rightness or wrongness of any act depends on the situation and the motivation of the agents. THere were situations when it would be moral for an unmarried young couple to sleep together, because 'love' motivates them.

Question 77

How would situation ethics regard rape?

Answer 77

This would be condemned by situation ethicists because there are no grounds for rape being the loving thing to do, or that 'agape' love could motivate someone to do, "No sexual act is ethical if it hurts or exploits others" (Joseph Fletcher)

Question 78

How would situation ethics regard contraception?

Answer 78

Can be argued either for or against using situation ethics depending on the situation. Situation ethics arose at a time in 1960's when contraception was becoming more acceptable and people had more freedom with their sexual relationships so is seen to be largely in favour of contraception.

Question 79

How would situation ethics regard masturbation?

Answer 79

In the exceptional case where a man is locked in jail, it would be considered by situation ethics absurd to forbid this man to masturbate and thus not allow a certain degree of sexual fulfilment THis decision can be justified also by the pragmatic nature of the theory.

Question 80

How would situation ethics regard adultery?

Answer 80

It can be in favour or condemn it depending on the situation. Does say in support of adultery that in some cases unmmaried love can be superior to married love. Jesus also refused to condemn the adulterous woman- they use this as support for adultery. However, Jesus tells her to go and "sin no more".

Question 81

What two ethical theories can Christian ethics relate to?

Answer 81

Natural Law and Situation Ethics.

Question 82

How would Christian ethics regard marriage?

Answer 82

Marriage is a sacrament, two people are joined before God and cannot be parted. Marriage is the aim for most Christians, and considered the best place for children and hence the best place for sex. THe purpose of sex is procreation. Although St Paul lived a life of celibacy who thought marriage the best place for those who could not control their sexual urges. Jesus was not married but did not condemn it, and had many friends who were married and was brought up by married parents.

Question 83

How would Christian ethics regard rape?

Answer 83

A Christian would view that sex should only be permissible if a person is in a committed relationship (married) as it unites the couple. This brings in the issue of consent. It is not right to have sex with a person who cannot consent (what about marital rape?)

Question 84

How would Christian ethics regard masturbation?

Answer 84

THey view that acts such as masturbation are wrong and a sinful act to do. When looking at masturbation the Christian Church teaches that sex should only be used as a practice for those who are in a committed relationship. Acts such as masturbation are wrong as there will be no possibility of a life from the act as a result and it is seen as a sinful act to do.

Question 85

How would Christian ethics regard adultery?

Answer 85

Adultery would be condemned by Christians because it would be breaking the vows made in the marriage ceremony and it goes against one of the ten commandments. More liberal Christians would be more tolerant of it because Jesus himself did not condemn it. However, he tells her "go and sin no more".

Question 86

What do some Biblical scholars say that the Genesis story provides a basis for?

Answer 86

For good sexual relationships. God created Adam and Eve in his image and part of their purpose was to have sexual relations and to reproduce. It is believed that, prior to the Fall, Adam and Eve had sexual intercourse because it was good in itself; not solely because of sexual desire but because God created them to have sex and to enjoy it.

Question 87

What was the Jewish law on divorce and adultery?

Answer 87

The Jewish law had very specific guidelines regarding divorce and adultery, mainly that divorce could be instigated only by the husband and that an adulterous woman should be taken out of the city and stoned to death.

Question 88

What quote of Jesus about divorce causes a lot or differences in interpretation?

Answer 88

"whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her..." The interpretation of the word 'and' can also mean 'in order to', therefore it is not clear whether Jesus permits remarriage after divorce or if it is a definite admonition that adultery occurs if a divorcee remarries and that it is wrong?

Question 89

What does Jocelyn Burrowes say about St Paul's teachings?

Answer 89

SHe believes that Paul's teachings have provided the basis for womankind's oppression within the Christian Church for 2000 years. She even goes as far as claiming his theology is misogynistic and based in fear of equality.

Question 90

What three purposes for marriage does Roman Catholicism teach?

Answer 90

Fides (faithfulness), Proles (reporudction) and Sacramentum (the two becoming one flesh). If an act goes against any of these, then it has no moral basis.

Question 91

Why does Roman Catholicism say divorce is never acceptable?

Answer 91

1. The two have become one flesh in marriage 2. The couples have made sacred vows in front of God that cannot be broken" However, the marriage can be annulled if the marriage satisfies certain criteria.

Question 92

What did Sigmund Freud believe about healthy sexual relationships?

Answer 92

He believed that if people have a healthy sexual relationship that benefits both parties, then they are more likely to be adjusted to their place in society and therefore more balanced psychologically.

Question 93

What is a major criticism of the libertarian approach?

Answer 93

The balance of power in relationships is not always equal. If one participant is not equal in the relationship, then, even though they choose freely to participate in the sexual act, they may only be limited in their choices because of the imbalance in the relationship.

Question 94

Why do feminism reject the libertarian approach?

Answer 94

It presupposes a level playing field for both parties; according to them this is naive and untrue. They believe that the contractarian idea is worthless due to the social conditioning of women that limits their role in society and culture and, therefore, also affects their social 'contracts'.

Question 95

Why would some argue that marriage is no longer required?

Answer 95

1. Women are no longer reliant on men for financial security 2. Legal rights that were only given to married couples in the past are now available to cohabiting couples and to civil partnerships 3 There is no longer the social stigma that one attached itself to children whose parents were not married.

Question 96

What is the libertarian approach to sexual ethics?

Answer 96

It basis itself on a more contractarian approach, where if all consent from all those involved is given, then it can be morally acceptable. Within this approach the most important principles are the ability to be autonomous and to be free to choice. The idea of sexual desire is not intrinsically selfish or sinful, but is a way of bonding two people's desires and providing a positive psychological connection.