6. Developments in Ethical Thought: Sexual Ethics

How the study of ethics has, over time, influenced and been influenced by developments in religious beliefs and practices, societal norms and normative theories.

6.1 Content Sexual Ethics

• consideration of the following areas of sexual ethics:
– premarital and extramarital sex
– homosexuality
• the influence of developments in religious beliefs and practices on debates about the morality, legality and tolerability of these areas of sexual ethics
• application of the following theories to these areas of sexual ethics:

– Natural Law

– Situation Ethics

– Kantian Ethics

– Utilitarianism 

6.2 Knowledge

• traditional religious beliefs and practices (from any religious perspectives) regarding these areas of sexual ethics

• how these beliefs and practices have changed over time, including:

– key teachings influencing these beliefs and practices

– the ideas of religious figures and institutions

• the impact of secularism on these areas of sexual ethics

• how these theories might be used to make moral decisions in these areas of sexual ethics

• issues raised in the application of these theories

6.3 Issues as the basis of exam questions

Learners should have the opportunity to discuss issues related to ideas about sexual ethics and changing attitudes towards it, including:

6.4 Suggested scholarly views, academic approaches and sources of wisdom and authority

Learners will be given credit for referring to any appropriate scholarly views, academic approaches and sources of wisdom and authority, however the following examples may prove useful:

• Pope Paul VI (1968) Humanae Vitae

• Church of England House of Bishops (1991) Issues in Human Sexuality, London: Church House Publishing

• Mill, J.S. (1859) On Liberty, Chapter 1