William R Madden
Ethics: Sexual Morality
1. Introduction A. The past sixty to seventy years have had changes in the way our society views sexuality. Prior to the 1960's, tradition based attitudes towards sexual behavior were prevalent. In the present, individuals have much more freedom to practice sexual acts without some of the older restrictions. Some agree with these changes while others do not. The shift has had one negative effect that can be agreed on, and that is the transmission of disease.
2. The Traditional View A. Saint Thomas Aquinas, adapted some views from Aristotle for the Catholic church. There are defining philosophic principles that were made part of doctrine, the four most important are, natural purpose, essential …show more content…
Libertarian Objections: Libertarians agree that we should be sensible about the dangers of disease. They disagree about restricting activities provided protection is used to mitigate risks. The solution to teen pregnancy is solved through education, contraceptives, and social programs. The churches position on natural law holds little relevance for libertarians, for them, the laws of nature are immutable, and not something that can be broken, they simply are.
5. Arguments For Sexual Libertarianism A. Sex is a private matter. Point: Consensual sex is for the participants to decide, provided it is not interfering with anyone else. Other people may not approve, but that does not mean they are right to curtail the freedom of those that disagree. Counterpoint: There is a social cost for sexual relations outside of a monogamous relationship. The spread of disease, and children born to single mothers have a cost that the taxpayer has to front. B. You can't turn the clock back on the revolution. Point: People will be unwilling to give up the freedom to have sexual relations outside of traditional marriage, people are accustomed to the lifestyles they currently …show more content…
Arguments Against Sexual Libertarianism A. Sexual libertarianism undermines public morality. Point: Disregard for morality will lead to moral decay. Sex outside of wedlock will cause abortions, pornography, and a loss of respect for others. Counterpoint: Morality is important. Traditionalism undermines morality by enforcing values that some cannot follow. B. Sex without love is empty. Point: Sexual relations are fulfilling with love shared between the participants. Without love, we are operating on the base instincts of animals. Counterpoint: People have the right to the type of sex of their choosing provided no one is hurt. It does not matter if sex between a loving couple is better than sex without love. What matters is that people have their own determination. C. Sexual libertarianism undermines marriage. Point: Marriage will become irrelevant if people are allowed to freely have sex outside of wedlock. Marriages that do occur will be at risk if partners can stray. Counterpoint: People marry because of love. They stay married because of trust. For some partners, an open marriage might help strengthen commitment. D. Sexual libertarianism is turning society upside
Ethics: Sexual Morality
1. Introduction A. The past sixty to seventy years have had changes in the way our society views sexuality. Prior to the 1960's, tradition based attitudes towards sexual behavior were prevalent. In the present, individuals have much more freedom to practice sexual acts without some of the older restrictions. Some agree with these changes while others do not. The shift has had one negative effect that can be agreed on, and that is the transmission of disease.
2. The Traditional View A. Saint Thomas Aquinas, adapted some views from Aristotle for the Catholic church. There are defining philosophic principles that were made part of doctrine, the four most important are, natural purpose, essential …show more content…
Libertarian Objections: Libertarians agree that we should be sensible about the dangers of disease. They disagree about restricting activities provided protection is used to mitigate risks. The solution to teen pregnancy is solved through education, contraceptives, and social programs. The churches position on natural law holds little relevance for libertarians, for them, the laws of nature are immutable, and not something that can be broken, they simply are.
5. Arguments For Sexual Libertarianism A. Sex is a private matter. Point: Consensual sex is for the participants to decide, provided it is not interfering with anyone else. Other people may not approve, but that does not mean they are right to curtail the freedom of those that disagree. Counterpoint: There is a social cost for sexual relations outside of a monogamous relationship. The spread of disease, and children born to single mothers have a cost that the taxpayer has to front. B. You can't turn the clock back on the revolution. Point: People will be unwilling to give up the freedom to have sexual relations outside of traditional marriage, people are accustomed to the lifestyles they currently …show more content…
Arguments Against Sexual Libertarianism A. Sexual libertarianism undermines public morality. Point: Disregard for morality will lead to moral decay. Sex outside of wedlock will cause abortions, pornography, and a loss of respect for others. Counterpoint: Morality is important. Traditionalism undermines morality by enforcing values that some cannot follow. B. Sex without love is empty. Point: Sexual relations are fulfilling with love shared between the participants. Without love, we are operating on the base instincts of animals. Counterpoint: People have the right to the type of sex of their choosing provided no one is hurt. It does not matter if sex between a loving couple is better than sex without love. What matters is that people have their own determination. C. Sexual libertarianism undermines marriage. Point: Marriage will become irrelevant if people are allowed to freely have sex outside of wedlock. Marriages that do occur will be at risk if partners can stray. Counterpoint: People marry because of love. They stay married because of trust. For some partners, an open marriage might help strengthen commitment. D. Sexual libertarianism is turning society upside