Sexual Ethics Essay

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

Deontological – rightness of action eg natural law

Teleological – goodness of the outcome eg situation ethics

Question 2

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Answer 2

Homosexuality
Supported by teleological
Fletchers Situation ethics – based on love/ agape and the most loving thing to do
It is a better approach – person centred, treats people as adults giving responsibility of actions (love and justice)
HOWEVER it is hard to know how far to take things for love, love is different for everyone (what is loving for one may not be for another)

Question 3

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Answer 3

Deontological can be seen as a better alternative
Natural law – marriage is fundamentally important
Primary and secondary precepts can be met eg reproduction and marriage John Finnis – marriage is a basic good to human flourishing – homosexuality is intrinsically wrong
HOWEVER sex does not have to be linked to reproduction (infertile and elderly), not everybody has heterosexual inclinations – not showing love
(Deontological discriminates, with no love)
Teleological is more successful – although love can be different for everyone this is not a negative, situational

Question 4

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Answer 4

Extra and premarital sex
Teleological supports – looks at the outcomes
Certain circumstances can be permitted (must be based off love) eg Mrs Bergmeier
Principles are flexible and avoid cheapening sex and love, Fletcher says that you can’t use people as ‘love objects’ as this is ignoring their dignity and value
Made situationally – as long as it is loving then it is ok
HOWEVER it overlooks absolutes, decisions in the hands of individuals may be too much (becomes not loving), affairs may not be loving to children

Question 5

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Answer 5

Deontological can be seen as better
The action of either is bad
Natural law – sex is only for marriage (children flourish in relationship with parents)
HOWEVER sex between a loving couple is enough, links to religion means to everyone agrees, too legalistic, loving thing must be put first in these types of situations
Deontological does not consider the situation individually
Teleological thinks of love – eg in an abusive relationship so affair is ok

Question 6

Conclusion

Answer 6

Teleological approach is better