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Indicate whether the statement is true or false.
1. Whether or not sex is appropriate only within a married or committed relation according to a natural law perspective
will depend on whether this is the most fitting or only fitting context for sex given what we are like.
a. True
b. False
2. Couples who cohabitate before getting married are more likely to divorce for this reason alone.
a. True
b. False
3. Given the nature of morality as a function of benefits and harms and of treating persons with respect and disrespect, still
sex is too personal to be a moral matter.
a. True
b. False
4. A consequentialist approach to judging sexual morality will ask whether one is using anyone or whether the sexual
relation is an open one.
a. True
b. False
5. All moral theories will pose moral questions about sexual morality in the same way.
a. True
b. False
Indicate the answer choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
6. Which of the following in not an example of utilitarian reasoning?
a. One has an obligation to be true to one’s own sexual identity so we can move toward a society that is not so
homophobic.
b. The effect on the family should be considered when making choices about sex.
c. What people do privately is their business.
d. Sexual immorality will get a person sent to hell.
7. To suggest that sex is only acceptable between consenting adults would rely on
a. Virtue ethics.
b. Kantian Ethics.
c. Utilitarianism.
d. Egoism.
8. Kant’s categorical imperative would support all of these ideas about how we ought to behave in a sexual relationship,
other than:
a. Coercive sex is not acceptable.
b. Failing to tell one’s partner about his or her sexually transmitted disease is morally impermissible.
c. Traditions about sexual morality should be followed by both partners.
d. Using a drug to coerce sexual consent is wrong.
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9. Comprehensive sex education for teens in the United States seems to have led to
a. Decreased sexual activity.
b. Increased sexual activity.
c. An increase in teen pregnancy.
d. A reduction in teen pregnancy.
10. Which of the following is not an objection to the disapproval of homosexuality based on nature?
a. Homosexuality, polygamy, and transsexuality are part of the natural world.
b. Homosexuality is not typically considered as “sick” as incest or child abuse, which are mainly heterosexual.
c. We use our bodily organs for many things other than their “natural” purposes.
d. Heterosexual couples who do not have children are viewed with pity, not disapproval.
11. Which if the following is not a reason given for female circumcision?
a. Control over reproduction
b. Increasing sanitation
c. Reducing sexual pleasure
d. Protecting virginity
12. The belief that gay and lesbian should live openly in same-sex relationships, because doing so invites homophobic
people to become more open and inclusive, comes under ________ reasoning.
a. Utilitarianism
b. Egoism
c. Virtue ethics
d. Kantian reasoning
13. Which of the following is the best example of the categorical imperative?
a. Homosexual sex is unnatural.
b. We were not designed to have sex with same sex partners.
c. If everyone practiced homosexual sex, there would be no children.
d. Homophobia is destructive to children.
Label the following as examples of Utilitarian (U), Kantian (K), or Natural Law (NL) arguments regarding sexual
morality:
14. The purpose of sex is reproduction, so all non-coital sexual acts (e.g., masturbation, or homosexual acts) are wrong.
15. The only way to entice that person into a sexual relation would be to falsely promise faithfulness and exclusivity, and
that would be wrong.
16. Knowing myself, I will only feel good about sex with someone with whom I am in love. So, that is what I should
guide my decisions by.
17. To the extent that sadomasochistic sex is enjoyable for some and hurts no one, there is nothing wrong with it.
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18. “The very same things that make non-coital sex valuable for heterosexual partners—expression of affection,
experience of mutual pleasure, physical and emotional well-being, and so on—make it valuable for same-sex couples as
well. . . .”
19. No one should use another simply for his or her own sexual gratification.
20. In order for a sexual relation with another person to be morally good, one must be honest and the relation must be
voluntary.
21. Certain sexual practices are unnatural and thus wrong.
22. The only proper context for sex given its nature is as part of a committed personal relation.
23. Explain Corvino’s objections against the NNL argument against homosexuality. What is the “NNL” argument, as
Corvino explains it? What are the strengths and/or weaknesses of both the NNL and Corvino arguments? Be sure to
indicate which moral perspective (i.e., consequentialist, deontological, utilitarian, natural law, care ethics, etc.) is
employed in each argument.
24. Compare Mill’s and Bentham’s views on prostitution. Describe each of their arguments for and/or against prostitution.
Highlight any similarities and differences between them, and be sure to describe which moral perspective (i.e.,
consequentialism, deontological, utilitarian, natural law, care ethics, etc.) each uses to justify their positions.
25. Why is female genital mutilation (FMG) an issue of sexual morality? What does this issue suggest to us about the
relationships between sexual morality and other moral issues, such as autonomy, human rights, gender constructions, and
so on? Present your own moral evaluation of FMG, being clear to explain the moral perspectives (e.g., consequentialist,
deontological, utilitarian, natural law, care ethics) that are most relevant to your evaluations.
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Answer Key
1. True
2. False
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