Transcript Ethics: philosophy and morality -

Morality, Ethics and Philosophy
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Definitions
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 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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Why Ethics? Why Philosophy?
CONSEQUENCES
CLAIM
ASSUMPTIONS
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Why Ethics? Why Philosophy?
RULES OF THE GAME
1. CONSISTENCY
2. COMMITMENT TO RATIONALITY
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Is Homosexuality Wrong because
Unnatural?
Soazig Le Bihan - University of
Montana
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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
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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
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The Argument against Homosexuality
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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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
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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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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
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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)
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
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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
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Natural = Morally Right? (1)
Two questions:
a. Is what is “unnatural” morally wrong?
b. Is what is “natural’’ morally right?
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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