SE: THEORIES

Question 1

What does NL state about right and wrong?

Answer 1

They are fixed truths.

Question 2

What does Aquinas state about sex?

Answer 2

“The natural style of intercourse is to be observed”.

Question 3

What aspect of NL does the CC draw heavily upon?

Answer 3

Procreation, which is central to the purpose of sexual intercourse and marriage.

Question 4

What does NL state about sex for pleasure?

Answer 4

It is an apparent good, not a real good.

Question 5

What extreme example does Fletcher give?

Answer 5

The woman in a prison of war camp, who asked a guard to have sex with her and impregnate her so that she could leave the camp.

Question 6

Why has Fletcher’s example been criticised?

Answer 6

For being too extreme.

Question 7

How does Fletcher defend his example?

Answer 7

Claims that exceptional circumstances were the point of SE, to deal with moral decisions when the usual moral rules don’t apply.

Question 8

What approach does SE take?

Answer 8

Pragmatic.

Question 9

What is SE always open to?

Answer 9

Breaking traditional ethical rules, because decisions are made situationally.

Question 10

What are the five things at the heart of Kantian Ethics?

Answer 10

1. Freedom/Autonomy.
2. Consensual promises.
3. Considering value.
4. Dignity.
5. Equality.

Question 11

How does the second formulation of the CI apply to sexual ethics?

Answer 11

Means to an end - don’t treat others as a means to your own pleasure.

Question 12

What is sex within marriage about for Kant?

Answer 12

Union and sexual enjoyment, not just procreation.

Question 13

What is utilitarianism often called?

Answer 13

Libertarianism.

Question 14

How is the ‘harm principle’ applicable?

Answer 14

Important in the case of extramarital affairs - cause harm long term.

Question 15

What does Utilitarianism praise?

Answer 15

Contraception - avoids unwanted pregnancies, HIV, STIs.

Question 16

What did Bentham want?

Answer 16

The greatest wellbeing for everyone, believed that the rules of marriage protect those involved against pre and extra marital sex.

Question 17

What was Mill concerned with?

Answer 17

The extent to which religion forbids certain behaviours, moving away from the constraints of religion.

Question 18

What four things was Mill focused on?

Answer 18

1. Artificial contraception being available to the poor.
2. Women’s rights.
3. Gender equality.
4. Marriage that promotes equal partnership.

Question 19

What does Mill state about sex in ‘On Liberty’?

Answer 19

“a principle of perfect quality, admitting no power or privilege on the one side.”

Question 20

What is the issue with Aquinas seeing things as ‘natural’?

Answer 20

Is an unnatural act always wrong if it is mutual and consented to?

Question 21

Why is NL illogical?

Answer 21

It is illogical to say that an infertile couple cannot have sex.

Question 22

Why is Aquinas’ view tainted?

Answer 22

Aquinas himself was celibate.

Question 23

What does Leiser state in criticism of normative ethical approaches?

Answer 23

To condemn people for using their sexual organs for pleasure, reveals prejudices and irrational taboos.

Question 24

What did Kant believe about homosexuality?

Answer 24

“demeans man below the beast”.

Question 24

What did Kant believe about homosexuality?

Answer 24

“demeans man below the beast”.

Question 25

What does Schopenhauer state about Kant’s view on sex?

Answer 25

If his own principle of universal laws was applied to celibacy then, as with homosexuality, the whole human race would disappear.