Sexual Ethics AO2 and Essay Plans

Question 1

Strengths of Natural Law’s approach to Sexual Ethics

Answer 1

• Focus on reproduction ans preserving us is a good thing and prevents us from assuming a casual view of sex
• Linked to a belief and based on human reasoning- legalistic/logical
• intrinsic worth of human beings are maintained, supported.

Question 2

Weaknesses of Natural Law’s approach to Sexual Ethics

Answer 2

• makes an assumption about the purpose of sex:could equally be unitive/pleasure bringing.
• outdated in terms of reliance on God and modern technological developments (e.g. contradiction, IVF: Se doesn’t need to be linked to reproduction, gay couples can have children)
• idea of doing what is natural used to imply homosexually in unnatural, yet this cannot be the case of homosexual inclinations are part of human nature.

Question 3

Strengths of Situation Ethics’ approach to Sexual Ethics

Answer 3

• helpful in drawing a distinction/recognising difference between causal or loveless sex and sex within a loving relationship- NL and utilitarianism fail to achieve this.
• involves person-hence right to look for person entered solution
• helpful in extreme cases

Question 4

Weaknesses of Situation Ethics’ approach to sexual ethics

Answer 4

• Overlooks religious commandments on sexuality, specifically do not commit adultery- too flexible for some Christians.
• • mainly looks on the most loving thing for those immediately involved in the situation- needs to consider other people involved, e.g. affects on Children, wider family, contraception use.
• In ordinary cases, there needs to be a clear rule to follow

Question 5

Strengths of utilitarian approach to sexual ethics

Answer 5

• progressive and modern- not dependent on religious ideas
• helpful and flexible in sexual ethics where situations are private and varied.
• Mills non harm principle played a key role in gay rights legislation.

Question 6

3 weaknesses of utilitarian approaches to sexual ethics

Answer 6

• Bentham’s approach focuses too much on majority pleasure- could justify gang rape.
• If suffering and pain include moral outrage then there would be a case for banning homosexuality (but Mill does attempt to prevent the Tyranny of the majority)
• In some cases, it requires the assessment of the future; whether or not it is good to have an affair for instance it is reliant on whether it is found out.

Question 7

Strengths of kantian ethics approach to situation ethics

Answer 7

• requirements of persons respected is a useful insight preventing a casual attitude to sex and people involved.
• Secular- prove attractive in a less religious age.
• Logical approach, rationally analysing our feelings.

Question 8

Weaknesses of Kantian Ethics approach to sexual ethics

Answer 8

• universalisation test not helpful as dilemmas in sexual ethics and people involved are too varied for a universal rule.
• cold and remote solution to issues.

Question 9

Religious belief and practices concerning sex and relationships have a continuing role in the area of sexual ethics

Answer 9

• Most societies and culture are influenced to a certain extent by religion. The traditional conservative views of Britain’s approach to adultery and polygamy are an example of this. Other more conservative countries e.g. Pakistan are still heavily influenced by Christian belief.
• Christian values such as consent. These values are reflected in a secular society and although religious belief is not agreed upon, many Christian values seem the reflect the values of secular society in relation to healthy sexual relationships. E.g. Aquinas’ virtues.
• Some approaches (e.g. Liberal Christianity) have adapted their approach and reflected upon scripture to meet the demands of a new society. The appointment of Archbishop Gene Robinson is an example of this. Further supporting examples could be scottish episcopal Church
• Marriage is still seen as important in society and the emphasis put on sanctity of marriage is reflected in the approach of a secular society. Furthermore many people are still religious and use religion as a dude to their behaviours, more liberal forms used- SE

Question 10

NO-Religious belief and practices concerning sex and relationships have a continuing role in the area of sexual ethics

Answer 10

• Many religions are out of date with contemporary society. For examples Catholic Church Doctrine could be seen not to correspond with general view on issues such as divorce, homosexuality, same sex marriage and cohabitation.
• In more conservative countries, religion is used as a means by which to justify the persecution of minorities. This means that in places that such as Sudan and Pakistan individuals have their civil liberties removed due to behaviour which, for many, is a matter of personal autonomy and individual choice.
• Religion has been relegated to the sidelines. Church attendance is declining, society is far more secular an popular culture is now highly sexualised . This means religion, and often it’s conservative views, is not relevant today.
• Religion can be seen to infringe upon personal freedom and autonomy. This can be seen to be wrong (JSM). An individual should be free how to act how they wish if an act is consensual.

Question 11

Yes- choice in an area of sexual behaviour should be subject to norms/legislation

Answer 11

• Sex cannot be entirely private and personal due to the fact that it involves another person. An individual mights feel as it is morally to sexually exploit another person but this cannot be allowed due to impact of others.
• The government now provides tax breaks to young married couples, and also provides support to them. This demonstrates that is seen as a norm. Extreme examples = USA adultery laws!
• Societal norms and rules have to be put in place to protect the individual. Dangerous behaviour can now occur such as on the internet. Often laws are put in place to protect the most vulnerable in society.
• The promotion of healthy and loving relationships would create a harmonious society and therefore be promoted as such. Helping society to learn what is normal and what is healthy in relationships is a must if we are to develop a virtuous and contemporary modern world where all individuals are valued and respected equally.

Question 12

No- choices in an area of seal behaviour should be entirely private and personal

Answer 12

• Sex can be deemed to be completely personal- as scholars such as JSM and Jeremy Bentham might argue, As long as it doesn’t harm others, sex should be free from obligations and rules.
• Sexual behaviour should never be governed by legislation and it is harmful. For example some may point to UK laws on homosexuality as an examples of the damage which can be cause if sexual behaviour is regulate by those who are not taking part in it and simply as a means of limiting behaviour.
• Peter Singer would argue that sex is a private matter, and all things should be judged in regards to the individuals personal preferences and what they deem to be moral. As long as no harm is caused this means that an individual can engage in whatever form of behaviour they want.