Morality Ethics and Philosophy 1 Definitions Morality set

Morality, Ethics and Philosophy 1

Definitions Morality: set of beliefs and practices about how to lead a good life Ethics : A rational reflection on morality 2

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 3

Why Ethics? Why Philosophy? CONSEQUENCES CLAIM ASSUMPTIONS 4

Why Ethics? Why Philosophy? RULES OF THE GAME 1. CONSISTENCY 2. COMMITMENT TO RATIONALITY 5

Is Homosexuality Wrong because Unnatural? Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana 6

Outline The argument that homosexuality is wrong because unnatural What is it to be ``natural”? Is homosexuality ``unnatural”? Is what is ``natural” morally right? Conclusion 7

Outline The argument that homosexuality is wrong because unnatural What is it to be ``natural”? Is homosexuality ``unnatural” Is what is ``natural” morally right? Conclusion 8

The Argument against Homosexuality The argument P 1 Homosexuality is unnatural P 2 What is unnatural is morally wrong CC Homosexuality is wrong Assessment: P 1? Is there any sense of ``natural” under which homosexuality can be said to be ``unnatural’’? P 2? In what sense, if any, is what is ``unnatural’’ morally wrong? 9

Outline The argument that homosexuality is wrong because unnatural What is it to be ``natural”? Is homosexuality ``unnatural” Is what is ``natural” morally right? Conclusion 10

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 11

Outline The argument that homosexuality is wrong because unnatural What is it to be ``natural”? Is homosexuality ``unnatural” Is what is ``natural” morally right? Conclusion 12

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 13

Is Homosexuality Unnatural? (2) 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 In the above two senses, homosexuality is unnatural We need to look at the second premise in order to assess the argument 14

Outline The argument that homosexuality is wrong because unnatural What is it to be ``natural”? Is homosexuality ``unnatural” Is what is ``natural” morally right? Conclusion 15

Natural = Morally Right? (1) Two questions: a. Is what is “unnatural” morally wrong? b. Is what is “natural’’ morally right? 16

Natural = Morally Right? (1) 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 17

Natural = Morally Right? (4) 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 18

Outline The argument that homosexuality is wrong because unnatural What is it to be ``natural”? Is homosexuality ``unnatural” Is what is ``natural” morally right? Conclusion 19

Conclusion 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. 20