Utilitarianism and Sexual Ethics
- Created by: Grace Lidgett
- Created on: 11-04-13 15:34
View mindmap
- Utilitarianism and Sexual Ethics
- Many people believe that a utilitarian approach would provide a good and straightforward way to look at sexual ethics
- Reasons for having sex
- The value of pleasure
- The contribution which shared pleasure makes to the value of a relationship
- Consensual sex creates much good, and, if harm to another person is avoided, provides the greatest happiness
- Allows consenting adults to do what they want and protects their freedom to do so
- Utilitarians argue that many of the ethical theories forget the emotional aspect of suffering caused by unfaithfulness and deceit
- Very libertarian outlook on sexual issues
- Tolerant approach to homosexuality unless it was to become the norm in society- greatest happiness would not be possible as human race could not continue
- Bentham (ACT) argued that mutual consent for pleasure cannot make any sexual act wrong if both partners are willing
- BUT, he does consider the possible harm to society: undermining marriage, disrupting family life, issues with law
- John Stuart Mill (RULE) also emphasises quality and not just quantity
- Would approve of birth control as it allows pleasure without consequence and helps population
Comments
No comments have yet been made