Strengths and Weaknesses of ethical approaches to sex 0.0 / 5 ? Religious StudiesEthicsA2/A-levelOCR Created by: caithughes25Created on: 18-06-14 10:30 Utilitarianism Strengths: Balances social justices and benefits with individual freedom and the pursuit of happiness Looks backwards at the consequences of sexual acts and makes decisions based on the outcomes Fair and totally unbalanced, mathematical approach to ethics, which can legislate about sexual activity Weaknesses Cannot look forward to consequences of sexual activities. Perhaps a relatively new accepted sexual norm will have unintended consequences Can ignore the emotional and spiritual aspects of sex 1 of 4 Virtue ethics Strengths Develops other noteworthy characteristics not necessarily linked with sex - looks at sex holistically (friendship, love) More tolerant to non-traditional sexual orientation and choices, as it focuses on the virtues rather than the details of the choices Less legalistic Weaknesses Too much focus on the individual, rather than the social consequences of sex Not very helpful for legislating or making decisions 2 of 4 Religious Ethics/Natural Law Strengths Absolutes - does not rely on consequences and can therefore give reliable and secure guidance Protects individuals from being pressured into things they do not want to do Weaknesses Difficult to differentiate between what is cultural and what is distinct to religion Can have unintended consequences (e.g. contraception leading to the increase of AIDS) or ignored consequences Sometimes biblical and church teachings can have too much to say - conscience is more highly regarded in some schools of thought 3 of 4 Kantian Ethics Strengths Protect people from being used for sex Can allow for a long term, committed relationship - doesn't necessarily have to be married Strong focus on consent Weaknesses Many acts are considered wrong if you try to universalise them (e.g. contraception, extramarital affairs) but we accept that everyone is different A bit unfeeling - no consideration for emotions etc 4 of 4
Virtue Ethics applied to Sexual Ethics, Business Ethics and Environmental Ethics 2.0 / 5 based on 1 rating
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