sexuality Flashcards
3 examples of where sexuality is shown in Genesis
- all humankind is ‘made in the image of God’. Sex, like all other human relations must reflect this aspect.
- ‘be fruitful and multiply’. Suggests reproduction. 1:28
- ‘for this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh’. Implies that Christians should get marriage. Not so much about love but more about duty and being one.
when the Children of Israel were to return to the promised land they were given many laws about sexuality. What was one of these laws?
‘thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womenkind: it is abomination.
-do not practice homosexuality as it is a detestable sin
two problems with interpreting the Bible
- we dismiss some verses as being relevant to that culture, but focus on others that were similarly part of that culture
- in the same section of law that condemns homosexuality, a man caught raping a virgin must pay her father money and then marry her. This doesn’t seem fair.
Natural Law and Sex
explain reproduction as a primary precept
- reproduction is the telos of sex
- therefore homosexuality is wrong as it doesn’t result in reproduction
Natural Law and Sex
explain marriage as a primary precept
- it brings order to society
- Catholic morality suggests that sex should only take place within marriage
- all sexual acts must be done with the knowledge that there is a possibility of pregnancy
Natural Law and Sex
explain consideration of divine law
- divine law is law from the bible
- ‘do not commit adultery’ is one of the Ten Commandments and this would be enough to rule out extramarital sex even without primary or secondary precepts
Natural Law and sex
explain real and apparent goods
- sex may be pleasurable but the purpose of it is reproduction
- sex though premarital, extramarital and homosexual sex is an apparent good but using reason to work out our telos would result in us rejecting these ideas
From Aquinas’s observations, what did he conclude about sex?
- the purposes of sex were reproduction, unity and pleasure.
- however, if these are imbalanced then this is a ‘sin against nature’
3 things that church teaches us about marriage
- purpose of marriage is pro creation
- for Roman Catholics, marriage is a sacrament (a gift from God which results in a change). The exchange of vows signify that two become have become ‘one flesh’. Divorce isn’t allowed as the change in the person is permit and cannot be undone
- for Protestant Christians, marriage is a Covent. (a contract which creates a stable environment for children). Divorce is allowed
define pre marital sex
sex before marriage
define extra marital sex
sex once you have been married. A bit on the side. Adultery
Christian teaching on pre marital and extra marital sex
Why is sex outside marriage that risks pregnancy unacceptable ?
as this isn’t a suitable environment to raise children
Christian Teaching on Pre marital and extra marital sex
why is promiscuity disrespectful to other people, ourselves and God?
- if you use someone for sex then you are using someone ‘made in the image of God’
- if you have no respect for your own body than this is like disrespecting God
why do Roman Catholics disagree with extra marital sex
because it breaks the bond that is created through the sacrament of marriage which is sacred
3 weaknesses of the natural law approach to sex
- NL makes an assumption about the purpose of sex. Sexual relationships may equally have other purposes, such as being unitive or bringing pleasure.
- the idea of doing which is natural has been used to imply that homosexuality is unnatural, yet this cannot be the case if homosexuality inclinations are part of people’s nature
- NL is legalistic in its approach and hasn’t kept pace with modern technological developments. E.g. contraception and IVF. sex doesn’t have to be linked to reproduction and it is possible for gay couples to have children.
1 strength of the NL approach to sex
the focus on reproduction and preserving life is a good thing and prevents us from assuming a casual view of sex
5 points on changing ideas about pre marital sex
- because of contradiction the view that sex is for reproduction has changed. It is now also for pleasure
- in the past marriage was necessary to ensure that the women was protected and financially provided for. Women can now have their own careers so marriage isn’t necessary
- many Christians now accept that a co habiting couple can experience the same unity as a married couple. This never use to be the case
- casual co habitation (no long term commitment) is still regarded as wrong.
- many liberal Christians are now accepting couple living together before they get married
Jesus’ ideas on extra marital sex
- the story of the women about to be stoned to death for adultery reflects the attitude of the time - that the women was a ‘temptress’ and caused the man to stray
- Jesus disagrees with the death penalty for adultery but he still regards it as a sin
4 points on changing ideas about extra marital sex
- churches today still recognise adultery as a serious breach of the marriage vows, but place the responsibility on both men and women
- adultery is wrong as it comes between marriages
- if a divorcee was innocent when their ex partner committed adultery then they should be allowed to re marry in the church. This is a Protestant view
- however, you can’t re marry at all in the Catholic Church
key words for utilitarianism
- equalitarian
- greatest happiness for greatest number
- consequentialist
- quantitive
- hedonic calculus
Utilitarianism and sex
what did Bentham not have a problem with ?
- homosexuality
- believed that pornography and prostitution should be made lawful
- he saw these as ‘offences against the self’. You aren’t harming anyone else
what would a utilitarian say about sex
provided sex goes amongst consenting adults, then pleasure outweighs pain and it is acceptable
Utilitarianism and sex
using the hedonic calculus , what two types of sex are wrong?
- rape because the pain of the victim outweighs any pleasure the perpetrator might experience
- paedophilia
Utilitarianism and sex
given an example of when prostitution may be right and wrong
- a young girl who consents to sex for money to pay for her drug habit is not doing this for pleasure
- however, it could be argued that a prostitute who provides her services in order to make a comfortable living could be acceptable
Utilitarianism and sex
it is also necessary to safeguard against disease in hedonic calculations. Explain this
-the spread of HIV could extend to the wider community including wives who may pass on the disease to children via birth. Dear of disease also leads to many calling for the legalisation of prostitutes so that it can be controlled by medical care and contraception
Utilitarianism and sex
define secularism and apply it to utilitarianism and sex
- the belief that religion should play no part in government or public life
- religion shouldn’t define what is or isn’t acceptable in issues about sexuality
Utilitarianism and sex
what does Mill argue
- for a secular negative Liberty stance
- there should be the least interference from state or church in people’s private lives
utilitarianism and sex
what three things do negative Liberty stance followers argue
- diverse lifestyles enhances the variety and richness of society
- tolerance makes for a happier society
- Liberty allows individuals to flourish in their own way
what would an act utilitarian argue ?
- more likely to judge marriage in terms of the quality of a relationship
- marriage isn’t a sacrament. So a co habiting couple may experience a better relationship than a married couple because they don’t want to make a commitment
what would a rule utilitarian argue about sexuality
-marriage offers better protection of rights and duties, and it’s formality offers more long term security
what would a utilitarian argue about promiscuity
- can create problems with unwanted pregnancy and heartbreak so this must be considered
- but as long as contraception is used and both people are clear about the nature of their relationship than this is a maximising pleasure
Utilitarians argue that rejection of homosexuality is based on what…
irrational homophobic prejudice and religious tradition which does not consider the happiness or best interest of the homosexual couple
utilitarianism and sex
what does Foucault argue ?
- satisfying preferences for different types of sexual expression doesn’t cause society to collapse
- diversity is good for society as it encourages all people to express their individuality and find fulfilment
utilitarianism and sex
two arguments against homosexuality
- if a sufficient number of people are morally outraged, then based upon the principle of utility it could be argued that it should be illegal
- some argue that children of homosexual couples might fade prejudice and bullying, so allowing couples to adopt or have IVF is causing harm
2 problems with utilitarian approach to sex
- difficult to measure happiness and pleasure over pain. E.g. How would we make the calculation between the pleasure of a community making money from the sex tourism, the pleasure of the clients and the possible exploration of some of the workers
- the consequences for sex can be far reaching . There are psychological traumas and heartbreak which might accompany sexual relations
What is Mill’s argument on the utilitarian approach to sexuality
- saw it as important that women shouldn’t be forced to have sex either inside/outside marriage.
- he was also concerned about reputation. It would be humiliating for a women if her husband was caught frequenting brothels. In these circumstances it is right for her to leave him.
Why do many Christians disagree with the utilitarian approach to sexuality
- as sex is seen merely as physical pleasure and not holistic
- recreational sex can be emotionally damaging and not part of the ‘one flesh’ relationship god designed.
Utilitarianism argues that allowing individuals to express their own sexuality will lead to greater diversity and happiness. What is a problem with this ?
- variety doesn’t necessarily make for a happier society
- a mixture of different sexual lifestyles may simply lead to confusion and anxiety
What is another weakness of the utilitarian approach
- it requires an assessment of the future
- e.g. An affair makes more people happy if the existing partners don’t find out, but could lead to greater unhappiness if they do. It is down to luck.
Two strengths of the utilitarian approach to sexuality
- finding happiness by satisfying preferences for different types of sexual expression doesn’t case society to collapse. In fact, diversity is good for society because it encourages all peoples to express their individuality and find fulfilment
- hedonic calculations just allow for the spread of disease, exploration, heart break etc. Bentham does recognise the need for some control where sexual practices become ‘offences against society’
Explain the weakness of Bentham offences against society
-offences against society like teenage pregnancy, the spread of STI’s etc are difficult to control once happiness becomes the over riding principle rather than duty
Explain the weakness with utilitarianism that Bentham says offences against the self have no harm to others
- e.g if I watch porn in the privacy of my own home, this may effect the way I treat others - my wife, secretary, women on the tube
- there has been a long standing view that sexual freedoms will lead to a decline in public decency
outline kants theory
- absolute moral truths which must be accessed through reason
- it is our duty (categorical imperative) to perform only those acts that can be universalised
what does Kant think about adultery and prostitution
- adultery cannot be universalised so it is wrong
- if we argue for prostitution to be legalised then we are saying that it is also an acceptable career choice for our daughters. Therefore it is wrong
what does Kant think about rape
- as part of the categorical imperative we should never use another human being as a means to an end
- sex which objectives a person would be unethical as sexual relationships must be based on equality as we are all free, reasoning individuals.
- rape is wrong
- if a sexual act is not by mutual consent then the perpetrator is ‘no better than an animal’
what does Kant think about casual sex
- it lacks commitment
- danger than couples are using each other as a means to an end
- it is wrong
what does Kant think about marriage
- it is about duty and keeping promises, so the couple are not using each other as a means to an end as they are fully committed
- sex within marriage is a duty necessary for the continuation of the human race. ( purpose of sex is reproduction )
- however, marriage isn’t just about sex otherwise as soon as people are too old for sex, they would have a reason to re marry
Kants argument for casual co habitation
it is wrong as it lacks commitment
what do modern followers of Kant argue for substitute marriage cohabitation
- substitute marriage cohabitation is a solid relationship where the couple chose not to get married
- this is permissible as the intention of the relationship is commitment
- e.g. taking out a joint mortgage
kants views on homosexuality
- it cannot be universalised as it would result in the extinction of the human race so it is wrong
- Kant says that homosexual sex ‘demeans man below the beasts’
- on the other hand, one could argue that the kantian principle of treating every human being as if they belonged to a kingdom of ends would mean that homosexuals should be treated equally
kants view on gay marriage
- this is ok as it shows commitment and they can have children through IVF etc
strength of kants approach to sexuality
- if is logic which could be a good thing as it helps us to move away from emotional and personal bias
- it makes us consider our actions rationally
- e.g. the temptation towards extra marital sex is better decided apart from the heat of sexual desire
weakness of kants approach to sexuality
- it is impossible to abandon feelings from such matters and this makes his system cold and uncaring
- e.g a man deciding to marry should do so because he loves, and not because it is a duty necessary for the continuation of the human race
another strength of kants system to sexuality
-Kant recognises that all humans as ends in themselves so it would proven tone partner objectifying the other, so the relationship should be a union of equals who treat each other with dignity and respect
why does the church remain divided other the issue of homosexuality
- some fundamentalist churches run gay therapy courses where they claim that homosexuality can be cured
- on the other hand, some churches allow gay marriage and gay ministers
most Christian would admit that…
people do not choose to be gay, but there is a difference between an act and a inclination
Christians are divided over whether homosexual marriage is actually a marriage at all. explain this
even liberal Christians who accept homosexuality might draw the line at marriage
what does the lesbian and gay Christian movement argue ?
that bible passages must be read in context
what do many gay right campaigners argue ?
- it is clear that God demands justice
- homosexuals should have the same rights as heterosexuals as God wanted equality
- only a tiny bit of the bible contains views against homosexuality, the majority of it is about justice
4 things that Fletcher would argue on pre and extra marital sex
- followers of situation ethics don’t think that there should be rules guiding pre or extra marital sex
- each situation should be considered in the context of its own circumstances, and the most loving course of action should be determined and followed
- situation ethics presents a relativist view of morality
- Fletcher uses issues of sexual ethics to illustrate his view that there should be no absolute rules, with examples of a women having sex with a prison guard in order to secure her freedom, or a soy having sex with an enemy in order to bring out the end of the war
4 things followers of natural law would say about homosexuality
- sees homosexual acts as wrong, because they cannot bring forth new life, and human life is seen as the telos of human sexuality
- the Catholic Church has traditionally seen homosexuality as a sin, but in modern times some Catholics take a more liberal view of homosexuality
- Pope Francis stated in 2016 that there are no grounds for considering a same sex partnership to be similar to gods plan for marriage and family life
- some people critics natural law approaches to homosexuality because plenty of sexual relationship do not and cannot bring forth new life, such as sex between an older married couple, between married people with fertility issues
3 things a follower of situation ethics would say about homosexuality
- concentrates on finding the most loving outcome
- it doesn’t give rules about homosexuality is general, but would consider a homosexual relationship to be morally acceptable if it brought about agapeic love
- situation ethics might be difficult to apply to issues of homosexuality if the needs of other people as well as the needs of the couple are considered, but most would agree that it is unloving to forbid a homosexual relationship
5 things that a follower of Kant would say about homosexuality
- kantian ethics is deontological, placing duty at the heart of decision making
- applying kantian principles to issues of homosexuality doesn’t lead to one clear answer
- treating everyone with dignity must mean that homosexual relationships should be regarded as equal to heterosexual relationships
- the could argue that the principle of universalisability means that everyone should have the right to express their sexuality
- it emphasises mutual consent and avoiding exploitation, and these principles should underpin relationships regardless of the sexuality of the partners
4 points that a flower of utilitarianism would say about homosexuality
- look for moral actions that bring about the greatest happiness for the greatest number
- some would argue that homosexual relationships cause happiness to those in them and don’t harm anyone else
- some argue that homosexual relationships do harm the rest of society as they undermine marriage as a stable social institution
- most utilitarians reject the need for rules about private behaviour between consenting adults, if they cause no harm to others
