11. Sexual ethics: Virtue Ethics
- Created by: Alasdair
- Created on: 25-06-17 13:28
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- 11. Sexual ethics: Virtue Ethics
- Marriage and sex
- The focus is on the moral development of the individual
- So if by having sex virtues such as compassion, love, commitment/loyalty, trust and honour are being developed, then sex can only be good
- If sex before marriage still leads to the same levels of commitment and love in marriage then it is fine
- If it doesn't lead to these things, then it is bad
- If sex before marriage still leads to the same levels of commitment and love in marriage then it is fine
- So if by having sex virtues such as compassion, love, commitment/loyalty, trust and honour are being developed, then sex can only be good
- If sex before marriage is solely for pleasure rather than an act in a loving relationship then it is bad
- If contraception enables the development of virtues then it is good
- Most people with virtues others should emulate advocate the use of contraception, especially in LEDCs such as places in Africa where risk of aids is high
- The focus is on the moral development of the individual
- Divorce/adultery
- Virtue ethics can allow any sexual act as long as it morality develops the individual to reach eudaimonia
- This could lead to premising acts that may harm others such as polygamy/adultery
- However, if it is hurting others then virtues such as love and trust are not being developed
- This could lead to premising acts that may harm others such as polygamy/adultery
- Aristotle argued that adultery was wrong:
- "For husband or wife to be detected in the commission of adultery...[the act] must be made a matter of disgrace" - Politics
- This is because it subverts and attacks the political foundations of society (the family makes society)
- If divorce develops virtues it is good
- Virtue ethics can allow any sexual act as long as it morality develops the individual to reach eudaimonia
- Homosexuality
- The same virtues that can be developed in a heterosexual relationship (e.g. love, commitment, etc) can be developed in a homosexual one
- therefore, it is alright as long as the person is in a committed relationship
- Rosalind Hurthouse
- A virtuous person is one that exercises virtues
- A virtue is a character trait that will lead to eudaimonia
- Four ends that virtues should follow to enable flourishing:
- Desire for own survival
- Continuation of the human race
- Seeking enjoyment and avoidance of pain
- The desire to live a full life in a well-functioning society
- She seems to imply that homosexuality is wrong because it does not enable the continuation of the human race
- Roger Scruton
- Homosexual people cannot produce children, therefore they have no interest in society
- Therefore, they are simply indulging their carnal desires
- Means that it is not virtuous. It is best to redirect their sexuality and energies towards useful work that will benefit society
- Therefore, they are simply indulging their carnal desires
- Hurthouse rejects this:
- Homosexuality is not a character trait, instead the virtue of temperance should be discussed in the place of homo/heterosexuality
- Homosexuality is only un-virtuous if there is no moderation
- The fact that it does not lead to children is irrelevant
- Homosexual people cannot produce children, therefore they have no interest in society
- Roger Scruton
- The same virtues that can be developed in a heterosexual relationship (e.g. love, commitment, etc) can be developed in a homosexual one
- Aristotle argued a point similar to Scruton
- Homosexual conduct is intrinsically immoral, contra naturam
- In 'Politics', he argues that "the state is composed of households", a household being a united man and woman practicing chastity and have children to continue society
- Without household, there would be no state and eudaimonia could not be achievable
- Homosexuality would therefore be absurd and immoral to Aristotle as in a homosexual relationship the family would dissipate and society would be harmed
- Marriage and sex
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