1 morality, ethics and philosophy. 2definitions morality: set of beliefs and practices about how to...

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Morality, Ethics and PhilosophyMorality, Ethics and Philosophy

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DefinitionsDefinitions

Morality: set of beliefs and practices about how to lead a good life

Ethics : A rational reflection on morality

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Why Ethics? Why Philosophy?Why Ethics? Why Philosophy?

Why discussing moral issues is important

1. Controversies and dilemma

2. How to lead a good life?

Why appealing to philosophy?

Useless discussion: mere confrontation of opinions / feelings

Philosophy:

1 No ready made answers: clarification of positions

2 Search for the truth through rational discussion

3 Analysis and Arguments

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CLAIM

ASSUMPTIONS

CONSEQUENCES

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RULES OF THE GAME

1. CONSISTENCY

2. COMMITMENT TO RATIONALITY

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Is Homosexuality Wrong Is Homosexuality Wrong because Unnatural?because Unnatural?

Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

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OutlineOutline

The argument that homosexuality is wrong because unnatural

What is it to be ``natural”?

Is homosexuality ``unnatural”?

Is what is ``natural” morally right?

Conclusion

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OutlineOutline



Is homosexuality ``unnatural”


Conclusion

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The Argument against The Argument against HomosexualityHomosexuality

The argument

P1 Homosexuality is unnatural

P2 What is unnatural is morally wrong

CC Homosexuality is wrong

Assessment:

P1? Is there any sense of ``natural” under which homosexuality can be said to be ``unnatural’’?

P2? In what sense, if any, is what is ``unnatural’’ morally wrong?

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OutlineOutline





Conclusion

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What is it to be natural? What is it to be natural? 1. Natural = Non-Artificial

Ex: Artifacts, Culture

Unnatural = what we do that animals don’t do

2. Natural = what follows the Laws of Nature:

Ex: gravity

Unnatural = supernatural and miracles

3. Natural = Most common behavior

Ex: wolves live in packs, dogs have four legs

Unnatural = out of the ordinary 4. Natural = to serve its natural function

Ex: eyes to see, fire to regenerate the forest

Unnatural = whenever something does not serve its function

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OutlineOutline





Conclusion

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Is Homosexuality Unnatural? (1) Is Homosexuality Unnatural? (1)

1. Natural = Non-Artificial

Homosexual behavior in the animal realm is common

Observed in more than 1500 species – all levels

Homosexuality is not unnatural in this sense

2. Natural = what follows the Laws of Nature:

By definition, nothing violates the laws of nature (except for miracles)

Homosexuality is not unnatural in this sense

In the two first senses, homosexuality is not unnatural The argument fails under these senses of natural

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Is Homosexuality Unnatural? (2) Is Homosexuality Unnatural? (2)

In the above two senses, homosexuality is unnatural We need to look at the second premise in order to

assess the argument

3. Natural = Most common behavior

Even if common, homosexual behavior remains a minority

Homosexuality is unnatural in this sense

4. Natural = to serve its natural function

Sexual organs: reproduction

Homosexuality is unnatural in this sense

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OutlineOutline





Conclusion

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Natural = Morally Right? (1) Natural = Morally Right? (1)

Two questions:

a. Is what is “unnatural” morally wrong?

b. Is what is “natural’’ morally right?

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1. Natural = the most common behavior

1.a. Is doing something different from the majority always doing something wrong?

No – great scientists and blind people

1.b. Is doing the same things as the majority enough to be morally right?

No – lying

The argument against homosexuality does not stand under this sense of natural

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4. Natural = serving its proper function

4.a. Is using things for a different purpose than their natural function always doing something wrong?

No – swimming and climbing with our legs

4.b. Is using things for their natural function enough to be morally right?

No – Peeping Tom

The argument against homosexuality does not stand under this sense of natural

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OutlineOutline





Conclusion

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ConclusionConclusion

About Homosexuality:

The argument that homosexuality is morally wrong because it is unnatural fails:

There is no meaning of “natural” which makes the two premises of the argument true

Careful ! This does not show that homosexuality is right either!

About Ethics

Appeal to philosophy for moral questions -- Ethics

When doing ethics, one commits to abide by the rules of rational reasoning.

1 morality, ethics and philosophy. 2definitions morality: set of beliefs and practices about how to...

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