Kant and Sexual Morality - 1383 Words

German Philosopher Immanuel Kant claimed that it is morally wrong to use a person merely as a means to your end. This judgement helps us to understand and determined sexual morality. Thomas A. Mappes supports Kant’s claims and helps to further explain Kant’s statement by defining it and introducing the idea that one must give their voluntary informed consent in order for certain actions to be moral. Mappes also illustrates that voluntary informed consent can be undermined through both deception and coercion. This helps us in the understanding of sexual morality. It is important to understand what Kant means when claiming that it is morally wrong to use another person merely as a means to your end when making the decision whether or not†¦show more content†¦He also makes that statement that they are victims and have unflattering beliefs. Levin (1999 p.126) claims â€Å"homosexuality is deviant†¦ [and] homosexuals have no place in the military if they weaken morale, and there are good reasons to think they do [weaken morale]† When looking at Kants philosophy, and his definition of morality, it becomes clear that Levins claims are assumptions, especially that homosexuals would weaken the morale in the military. There is nothing in his claims to suggest that homosexuals would coerce, deceive and use another merely as a means to their sexual ends within the military. Therefore, when looking at Kants claims, regardless whether a person is homosexual or heterosexual, the morality of sexual behaviour can only established when one is using another without human respect and merely as a means to their ends. John Corvino also refers to the morality of homosexual relationships. His views vary considerably from Levins. Corvino (1997 p,6) addresses the idea that homosexual sex is unnatural and therefore immoral. Corvino defends the right to a homosexual relationship by comparing the use of sexual organs to others. We have numerous uses for our mouth such as talking, eating, breathing, chewing gum etc and Corvino states that sexual organs may be useful in a relationship other than just procreation. Corvino makes reference to the churches view on sexual behaviour. Although the church disapproves of homosexual behaviour, Corvino (1997Show MoreRelatedKant and Sexual Morality1394 Words   |  6 PagesGerman Philosopher Immanuel Kant claimed that it is morally wrong to use a person merely as a means to your end. This judgement helps us to understand and determined sexual morality. Thomas A. Mappes supports Kant’s claims and helps to further explain Kant’s statement by defining it a nd introducing the idea that one must give their voluntary informed consent in order for certain actions to be moral. Mappes also illustrates that voluntary informed consent can be undermined through both deception andRead MoreEmmanuel Kant and Moral Theory1589 Words   |  6 Pagesto show the methodology by which individuals derive moral truths and the fundamental nature of these truths. Overall, Kant s philosophical works are still extremely relevant to modern political and philosophical conflicts and his legacy survives in the essential concepts of liberalism, egalitarian ethics, social contract theory, cosmopolitan global justice, and many others. Kant is also considered the founder of the 18th century doctrine of transcendental idealism and many of his published worksRead MoreEvaluating The Ethical Principles Of An Axis And Identifying Concrete Points At Which Certain Values Outweigh Others?1549 Words   |  7 Pagesmandated, because it does not prevent a contagious disease. 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It should be noted that Kant’s views were created along time ago and although Kant was alive in a very different time, many people believe he was in fact, a homosexual, so his teaching could have been based on his own social shame or his own fear of exposure, but that could be an entire paper by itself. So let us explore Kant’sRead MoreSexual Morality and Social Context1707 Words   |  7 PagesSexual Morality â€Å"There must be integrity between body and life. You must not do with your body what you’re not willing to do with your whole life† (Keller). Keller is directly talking about our individual sexual morality and how or how not it should be perceived in a social context. Most people think sexual dilemmas of it in a broader spectrum, not directly related to one’s morality, by saying â€Å"this act isn’t right† where others may simply say â€Å"why not†. Yet, what justifies an act for one person