Evaluate the claim that natural law should be consulted when dealing with issues in sexual ethics(40).
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Sexual ethics
Institution
OCR
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Oxford A Level Religious Studies for OCR
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Evaluate the claim that natural law should be consulted when dealing with issues in sexual
ethics(40) - Came up in the mock exam and got 36/40 15/16 in AO1 21/24 in AO3 = A*
Sexual ethics is an immensely controversial topic and consequently, there is a multitude of
personal moral issues and debates surrounding it. Social norms and laws about these questions
have changed considerably especially in western countries in recent decades. Natural law
proposed by St Thomas Aquinas is a teleological theory that looks to God and the world for
answers. Aquinas, influenced by Cicero and Aristotle, the founder of natural law, argued that we
all have a desire to do good and avoid evil and that we should fulfil our purpose to reach
eudaimonia. In regards to sexual ethics, natural law should be consulted as it produces more
harm for individuals.
Natural law presents a harmful approach to sexual ethics as it demeans people and the value of
their relationship. Aquinas unconvincingly argued that homosexuality was wrong and that it ‘is
intrinsically disorded’. Those who engage in homosexual behaviours have not used their reason
correctly to interpret the natural law but have instead chosen to follow the apparent good.
Following the primary precepts of reproduction, homosexuality would be considered wrong and
unnatural as homosexual sex does not allow for people to be fruitful and grow. Yet as
convincingly argued by Stephen Fry natural law promotes views that lead to the ‘stigmatisation
and victimisation’ that leads to playground bullying and statistics which show that the LGBTQ+
community is twice as more likely to contemplate suicide. Therefore, natural law should not be
consulted in matters of sexual ethics as it promotes views that are harmful to the LGBTQ+
community.
Additionally, natural law is restrictive and prevents people from exercising their autonomy.
Aquinas unconvincingly argued that sexual relations outside marriage(pre-marital sex) is wrong
and should not be the focus of relationships as we need to follow the primary precepts of living
in an ordered society. Yet in our secular society, marriage no longer holds the same value as it
did during Aquinas's time. Sex is no longer seen as just for reproduction since science shows
that our reproductive organs are also for pleasure. By consulting natural law on matters of
sexual ethics we prevent autonomy and we prevent people from acting freely and doing things
that cause no harm to anyone. Therefore, Instead of consulting natural law, J.S Mill's rule
utilitarianism should be consulted. Mill proposed the harm principle- people should be free to do
what they wish as long as their actions do not cause harm to anyone. Mills presents a
convincing approach as he grants people autonomy and emphasises that people should be free
to do whatever they want as long as it does not cause harm. He allows people to be happy and
allows the individuals to be in charge of the happiness in their life. Therefore, natural law should
not be consulted in matters concerning sexual ethics as it restricts autonomy, unlike rule
utilitarianism.
Furthermore, natural law in its absolutist ways fails to acknowledge the harmful results that can
occur from always following the primary precepts. The primary precepts are essential in the
functioning of society. According to Aquinas, we should use our reason and follow primary
precepts and the secondary precepts which follow on from the primary precepts. The primary
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