Sexual Ethics

 (1) Briefly summarize how the liberal and classical/Christian traditions frame their accounts of sexual ethics. The aim should be to draw from the course materials as you see fit in crafting a general account of how each tradition approaches sexual ethics, with a particular focus on whether there are distinctive goods and virtues that we ought to promote.

(2) In light of these different approaches to sexual ethics, articulate and defend a moral position in response to consumption of pornography in light of the relevant readings from the final-exam folder on Blackboard. Your position should be expressed as an answer to the following question and display nuance with respect to the different traditions and sources:

Given your understanding of the different traditions and their ethical views, should we be concerned that the consumption of pornography may tend to orient our sexual desire away from the formation of intimate interpersonal relationships, or should our concern about pornography be limited to the conditions under which it was produced (e.g., using the concept of “fair-trade” pornography)?

Goldman Nothing morally special about sex, interpersonal relationship idea is the language of flourishing so classical?

Benn: in order to live comfortably we have to develop some traits or virtues, some activities promote this some don’t

Casual Sex is not associated with interpersonal relationships because we don’t want to be transparent and vulnerable in such situations

Liberal: autonomy

Classical: flourishing

Benn arisototelian

Meilander Augustinian

--→classical tradition

liberal side: more fair trade oriented

might be against the consumption of pornography

may advocate moderation/ candy diet

Overlap on the ideas of communion

1. Two traditions on liberal and classical
2. Elaborate on traditions using particular sources
3. Thesis in response to particular q

In consumption of porn, is autonomy being respected, is consent being given importance, is it fair trade porn? No coercion? Things are done in the most humane most respectful way

Liberal-autonomy non interference consent

Bring up goldman,

While the ethical arguments of sex are widely discussed in modern ethics, it is important to acknowledge the differing views of the liberal and classical traditions. We can understand how these traditions frame their accounts of sexual ethics by exploring the philosophies of thinkers like Piers Benn, Gilbert Meilander, and Alan Goldman. In light of the recent ethical debate on pornography, an understanding of the frameworks of both traditions and their ethical viewpoints inclines us to believe that the consumption of pornography may tend to