Journal #9
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Toronto Metropolitan University *
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606
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Philosophy
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Dec 6, 2023
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docx
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Uploaded by JudgeStarNightingale42
Journal #9
CPHL 606- D10
Toronto Metropolitan University
November 17, 2023
In his work, Belliotti provides a historical account of sexual ethics. He claims that
participant consent is the only thing needed for a sexual exchange to be deemed morally
permissible. In his view sex is morally permissible if it does not entail deception, exploitation
and promise breaking and the parties involves accord one another with respect (Belliotti, 2000).
Although consent is an important aspect in sex, I disagree with the author’s analysis as consent
alone is insufficient to satisfy the requirements of morality in sex and other factors must be
considered. Among the most important factors to consider when determining morality in sex are
communication, context and power dynamics. Notably, it is challenging to determine what
encompasses consent and whether one is voluntarily consenting to a sexual act. Consent,
depending on the circumstances may be given due to false information, manipulation, duress,
coercion and exploitation, which erode the true voluntary aspect of consent (Primoratz, 2001).
For example, sex with a minor even if they consent is viewed as immoral as they lack the full
capacity to make such decisions. Also, I believe that consent does not include crucial moral
values and obligations that should be upheld to make sex ethical such as care, honesty, respect
and many more.
Therefore, the author’s contractual perspective of sexual exchange is a form of
objectification as he presents people as objects of desire and pleasure. I feel that Belliotti’s
analysis undermine the cultural norms and social components that shape sexual ethics
(Wertheimer, 2003). Despite consent, certain sexual acts are considered immoral and harmful
societies. For instance, acts such as bestiality and rape are frowned upon by most cultures
(Wertheimer, 2003). Moreover, his analysis undermines the religious perspective, which
encompasses moral principles that formulate a better framework for comprehending the moral
dynamics of sexual exchange. Overall, consent is not the sole criterion of morality. It is crucial to
explore the dynamic nature of human relationships to enhance our understanding of morality in
sexual interactions.
References
Belliotti, R. A. (2000). Sex, Love, Marriage: The Moral Life. Sexual Intercourse
Between Consenting Adults is Always Permissible.
Primoratz, I. (2001). Sexual morality: Is consent enough?
Ethical Theory and Moral Practice
,
4
, 201-218.
Wertheimer, A. (2003, September 18).
Consent to Sexual Relations
. Cambridge University Press.
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