Sexual Ethics

• What are the two versions of the sexual ethics summary notes available for A Level Philosophy & Religious Studies?

  A*-A grade and B-C grade summary notes
• What are the main religious teachings on sexual ethics according to Christian views?


  • The Bible is against homosexuality, pre-marital sex, and extra-marital sex.
  • Adultery is defined as sex outside marriage.
  • Homosexual sex is considered adultery since homosexuals cannot marry.
• What does Leviticus 20:13 state about homosexual acts?

  It states that "Man shall not lie with man as he does with woman, that is an abomination, they shall both surely be put to death."
• How does Augustine view sexual desire in relation to original sin?


  Augustine believes sexual desire is a key feature of original sin.
• What connection does Augustine make between shame and sexual desire?


  Augustine argues that shame about our naked bodies and sexual desire is a result of our fallen state.
• According to Augustine, why is sex confined to marriage?

  Augustine concludes that sex must be confined to marriage for the purpose of having children.
• What are Freud's views on traditional Christian attitudes towards sex?


  • Freud rejected Christian approaches as overly repressive.
  • He believed such attitudes led to shame and unhealthy repression.
  • Freud viewed sexual desire as a natural biological urge that should not be a source of shame.
• How does the liberal secular attitude towards sex differ from traditional religious views?


  The liberal secular attitude claims that sexual desire is natural and should not be a source of shame, unlike traditional religious views that see it as sinful.
• What concerns do traditionalists have regarding sexual liberalization in society?


  • Traditionalists believe sexual liberalization could harm social order.
  • They argue that society may become chaotic without strict sexual norms.
  • They often resist changes to sexual ethics based on historical concerns.
• What does Bishop Barron argue about the secular attitude towards sex?


  Bishop Barron argues that the superficial secular attitude has turned sex into a meaningless act, which can be psychologically damaging.
• What is the primary precept of natural law regarding sexual ethics?

  • The telos of sex is to produce children.
  • Children are best raised within marriage.
  • All sex outside marriage is considered wrong.
• Why is natural law considered outdated according to its critics?

  Critics argue that natural law reflects socio-economic conditions of the medieval period that no longer apply today.
• What is Aquinas' view on the primary precepts of natural law?


  Aquinas believed that the primary precepts were discovered through human reason as designed by God.
• What is Fletcher's stance on sexual ethics in relation to love?


  • Fletcher believes that sexual acts should have a loving outcome.
  • He supports homosexuality and pre/extra-marital sex if they are consensual and loving.
  • He opposes sexual acts that involve coercion or lack genuine choice.
• What is the harm principle according to Mill's rule utilitarianism?


  The harm principle states that people should be free to do what they want as long as they are not harming others.
• What is a criticism of act utilitarianism regarding sexual ethics?

  Act utilitarianism can justify harmful actions if they maximize happiness for the majority.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of utilitarianism in sexual ethics?


  Strengths:

  • Focuses on the consequences of actions.
  • Aims to maximize overall happiness.

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Difficult to predict outcomes.
  • Can justify harm to minorities for the majority's happiness.
• How does Mill's rule utilitarianism address the issue of predicting outcomes?

  Mill's rule utilitarianism avoids the issue by relying on established social rules that have been calculated to maximize happiness.
• What is the relationship between sexual ethics and societal norms according to the study material?

  • Societal norms influence perceptions of sexual ethics.
  • Changes in societal attitudes can lead to shifts in sexual ethics.
  • Ethical frameworks must adapt to contemporary cultural contexts.
• What does Utilitarianism justify if a majority gains happiness?


  It seems to justify the infliction of harm on a minority.
• How does Utilitarianism view the repression of homosexuals if most people find it disgusting?


  Utilitarianism seems to judge it right for homosexuals to be repressed to avoid lessening happiness.
• What is the harm principle proposed by Mill in relation to Utilitarianism?


  It has a more long-term view of maximizing happiness.
• What did Mill believe was necessary to change societal views on homosexuality and pre/extra marital sex?


  We needed to encourage people to accept that what others do in their private life is no business of theirs.
• How does Mill's view differ from the repression of a minority for the happiness of a prejudiced majority?


  Mill would not allow repression of a minority merely for the happiness of a prejudiced majority.
• What is the counterargument to rule Utilitarianism regarding its relationship with Act Utilitarianism?


  It either collapses back into Act Utilitarianism or ceases being Utilitarianism altogether.
• What does Kantian ethics state about sexual ethics in relation to universalizability?


  Homosexuality is not universalizable since if everyone were gay, there would be no more children.
• According to Kant, what is required for treating people as ends rather than means in sexual ethics?

  Only sex inside marriage for the purpose of having children allows for the treatment of people as ends.
• What is the criticism of Kant's view on sexual ethics regarding consequences?


  Kant ignores the moral relevance of the consequences of repressing sexual freedom.
• How does Kant justify his stance on the unpredictability of consequences?

  He claims that consequences are unpredictable and beyond our control.
• What is a criticism of Kant's reduction of ethical motivation to acting purely on duty?


  It leaves out important motivations such as love, empathy, and compassion.
• How does Stocker's example illustrate a flaw in Kant's ethics?


  If a friend visits you in the hospital out of duty, it would not feel good, highlighting the importance of emotions.
• What do virtue ethicists argue against Kant's view on emotions in ethics?

  They argue that emotions can be trained and cultivated to guide moral behavior.