1. Chapter Three: Sexual Morality Review
Applying Ethics: A Text with Readings (10th ed.)
Julie C. Van Camp, Jeffrey Olen, Vincent Barry
Cengage Learning/Wadsworth

2. What is the “Traditional View of Sexual Morality”?
All sex outside marriage is wrong
View that everything in nature has a purpose, derived from Aristotle and Aquinas
The purpose of human beings is to engage in fully human love, which must accompany sex and be conducted within marriage

3. What is the “Libertarian View of Sexual Morality”?
Sex is an activity like any other
Standards for morality are no different from other activities
Defense of sexual libertarianism: why shouldn’t sex be treated like any other activity?

4. “Declaration on Certain Questions Concerning Sexual Ethics” The Vatican
What is the role of natural law in determining how people should behave?
It provides objective standards for how people should behave
How do we recognize and develop these values?
By using human reason and divine revelation
What is immoral, according to natural law?
premarital sex, having children outside of marriage, homosexual acts, masturbation

5. “Sexual Morality and the Concept of Using Another Person” Thomas A
“Sexual Morality and the Concept of Using Another Person” Thomas A. Mappes
How should sexual morality be analyzed?
In terms of Kant’s principle that persons should be respected as ends in themselves.
What is the role of “voluntary informed consent”?
It identifies when people are not being used merely as a means
When is the consent requirement violated?
When there is deception or dishonesty in relationships

6. “Should a Feminist Choose a Marriage-Like Relationship” Marjorie Weinzweig
What is the paradox of feminism and marriage?
Feminist goal of autonomous self-development conflicts with the structure and context of marriage-like relationships
Development of autonomous individuality is best promoted by living in a committed relationship
What are the three stages of self-development?
Inauthenticity
Autonomous being oneself
Autonomous being with others

7. “The Case for Lesbian and Gay Marriage” Richard D. Mohr
How should traditional definitions of “marriage” accommodate same-sex couples?
How should progress toward justice for all include marriage for same-sex couples?
How would same-sex marriages promote further improvement in society’s understanding of marriage in general?