Applied Ethics: Sexual Ethics

Sexual ethics is one of the most sensitive and contested areas of applied ethics. The AQA A-Level specification requires you to examine moral questions about premarital sex, homosexuality, contraception, and adultery, and to apply the major ethical theories (natural moral law, utilitarianism, situation ethics, Kantian ethics) alongside religious perspectives. This topic demands careful, respectful engagement with diverse viewpoints.

Key Definition: Sexual ethics is the branch of applied ethics concerned with the moral evaluation of sexual behaviour, relationships, and practices. It examines questions about what constitutes morally acceptable sexual conduct and on what grounds.

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Key Issues

Premarital Sex

Premarital sex (sex before marriage) has been historically condemned by most religious traditions but is now widely accepted in many Western societies. The ethical debate centres on questions of consent, commitment, emotional maturity, and the purpose of sexual relationships.

Traditional religious view: Sex belongs exclusively within marriage. Marriage provides the framework of commitment, stability, and mutual responsibility within which sexual expression is appropriate. The Catholic Church teaches that sex has two inseparable purposes — unitive (bonding husband and wife) and procreative (openness to new life) — both of which require the context of marriage.