Sexual Ethics

The Conventional View No Sex outside heterosexual marriage (not even before it) Arguments: 1) The sex act is degraded outside of marriage, 2) casual sex leaves unwanted and uncared for children, harmming society

The Liberal view Any and all sex between consenting adults is morally fine. As long as no one is lying, breaking a promise, manipulating, or forcing anyone, it's all ok.

The Sex-with love view Sex can be had outside of marriage, but must be had with someone you “truly care” about. Same sex relationships are permissible

The Liberal View: When is sex bad? Consent is necessary, so whenever consent is undermined, a moral wrong is done. Obvious examples are rape, and also sex with someone under the age of consent Other examples: a) the person is drunk or drugged, b) the person is threatened (“you will be fired”), c) you obtain the person's consent through manipulation VOLUNTARY INFORMED CONSENT

Brief look at Medical Ethics The classic western tradition, known as the Hippocratic tradition, was paternalistic After WWII, in response to the horrors of Nazi medics, voluntary informed consent (VIC) became the necessary condition for experimental research on human subjects In the 1970s (following movement for civil rights, women's’ rights etc) VIC became the standard for all medical professional to patient interactions

Is Consent enough? Case 1: Mr. Supervisor and Ms. Employee Case 2: Ms Debtor and Mr. Creditor Case 3: Mr. Theatergoer Case 4: Ms. Jetsetter …… Case 8: Mr. Troubled and Ms. Opportunistic

Can you use a person who gives you consent? Romeo and Juliet have been out together on a few dates. They are sexually attracted to each other. Juliet willingly accepts Romeo’s suggestion that they have sex together. During intercourse, Romeo makes no attempt to please or satisfy Juliet. After having an orgasm, he rolls over without a word and goes to sleep. (p182 of your book)

When consent might not be enough? Prostitution? Can I consent to be murdered? Can I agree to murder someone who wants me to murder them? Consensual cannibalism? “prostitution is the depth of infamy! A person’s body is not property. The body is inseparable from the person, and because person’s are priceless it cannot be treated as an object to be bought and sold.”

Is homosexuality wrong? Poor arguments: My Bible tells me so I think it’s gross

Thomas Aquinas: It’s unnatural P1: The natural purpose of sex is reproduction P2: Homosexual sex cannot result in reproduction P3: Things must only be done according to their natural purpose (natural law) --------------------------------------- C: Gay sex is morally wrong

It’s dangerous?

Sexual Relativism?