Sexual Relationships Flashcards
Why may people form relationships with each other?
-For personal/professional support
-Get married, start and family and have children
-Share mutual interests / pleasure
-Form a friendship or companionship
Choose a religious viewpoint you have studied. DESCRIBE what it says about the purpose of sex (4)
Most Catholics believe sex should be procreative and form a fostering, loving relationship that is procreative and unitive
Christianity teaches that sex should only take place during marriage and should always only occur with consent from both husband and wife
The Catholic Church teaches that it is wrong to use contraception as sex should be a loving and life giving act and contraception eliminates the procreative aspect
The Catholic Church teaches that homosexual relationships that are sexual in nature are forbidden
What are moral issues arising from consent?
Consent should be given freely without pressure or manipulation e.g. if someone is tricked into giving consent this makes the situation unethical
When there is a power imbalance e.g. boss and employee or an adult and child. The more powerful person may take advantage which makes the situation morally wrong
“Religious and non religious views disagree with each other on sex”
It could be argued that this is true as…
Religiously, sex is a gift from God to be enjoyed between a man and a woman who are married where as for non religious people sex has nothing to do with God or marriage and can occur between any gender
For religious people sex is based on scriptures where as non religious people base sex off the law
“Religious and non religious views disagree with each other on sex”
It could be argued that this is not true as…
Both religious and non religious can still agree sex is an expression of love and can strengthen a relationship
Both can agree that there needs to be rules around sex e.g. between what people (religious e.g. incest non religious e.g. law)
Both can agree that cheating on someone who you are marries to is wrong
Some religious and non religious people may agree that having sex outwith marriage is acceptable providing it is based around love and commitment
What moral issues are raised by sexual relationships?
-May lead to unwanted pregnancies
-Using contraception can lead to contraction of HIV or STIs
-People may not be emotionally mature enough to deal with a sexual relationship
-A lack of responsibility, respect, consent and fidelity can lead to a risk of people being hurt by their partner in a sexual relationship
What moral issues are raised by same sex relationships?
-Same sex couple can suffer a lot of abuse or lack of acceptance in society - are there enough areas of support for them?
-People may disagree with same sex relationships because they think that a relationships purpose is to have children
-They may feel that they are forbidden by their scriptures and this goes against God
-There might be a disagreement as to whether people in a same sex relationship should be allowed to get married because this redefines the definition of marriage
-The children brought up in a same sex marriage may get bullied as they are an easy target due to their parents relationship
-For many it is an issue of equality and human rights
Why may people form sexual relationships with each other?
-Adults have a biological urge to have sexual relationships and to feel attracted to partners
-A way to show love and commitment to each other
-They may wish to have children
-Sex is for pleasure and enjoyment
-Some sexual relationships are a result of pressure or cultural expectations
Why may people say consent is essential?
-It recognises people have bodily autonomy and are not objects to be taken advantage of
-It means people are coerced into doing something they aren’t comfortable with and protects their rights
-Because it can only be given vote the age of 16 it protects children from exploitation and abuse
-Encourages mutual respect within relationships which affirms both partners
-Promotes equality and appropriate balance of power as both parties must consent
-Consent is essential to follow the law
Arguments to wait until marriage to have sex
-Sex is a sacred gift from god not to be used for one night stands or casually
-Irresponsible sex oitieth marriage can lead to unwanted pregnancies or STIs
-It is a teaching for many religious people to save sex for marriage so this should be respected
-Sex outside marriage such as adultery can hurt feelings so should be avoided
Arguments for having sex before marriage
-Sex before marriage is fun and if both parties consent it’s ok
-A couple may have already decided they are getting married so want to have sex, the commitment is already there
-Now a days many are having children and a home together without getting married, marriage is no longer necessary for becoming a loving family
-To some people marriage is just a bit of paper so sex is fine if you are committed to each other
-Sex doesn’t lead to unwanted pregnancies or STIs if correct protection is used
Utilitarian view on sexual relationships
Utilitarians believe in the greatest number of happiness for the greates number of people therefore
-If sex leads to happiness for the greatest number of parties then it is acceptable, they would be against rape, incest etc
-Utilitarians accept young people are going to have sex so bad consequences like STIs can be avoided by using contraception
-Utilitarians believe people should be educated on sex and given protection as this would increase happiness for the greater number of people
Utilitarian view on adultery
-Adulerty is not generally accepted as it breaks down trust within a relationship
-However you could argue that act utilitarianism that if two people are having an affair and one person is getting cheated on this makes the majority of people happy
-Rule utilitarianism would argue that this is not acceptable as infidelity is generally not something that would result in happiness for the greatest number of people
