Group Blog 1: Sexual Morality

Sexual morality is an extremely sensitive topic and it is commonly believed that there is no distinct line that separates sexual morality from sexual immorality. A particularly controversial subject is that which we will call “romantic disclosure”. In other words, the information about oneself that they are either morally obligated or not morally obligated to reveal prior to entering, or during, a romantic relationship. There are two crucial variables to consider when differentiating between what is morally right or wrong in regards to romantic disclosure. The first is the application of normative ethical principles in order to effectively draw a definite line between right and wrong, and the second is simply the nature of the relationship. Utilitarianism is especially useful in this case because its guiding principle is easily applicable to romantic disclosure.

Utilitarian’s believe that one should always act in a manner that generates the most happiness for themselves and those around them. So in the case of romantic disclosure, it is clear that any omissions by either participant entering (or already in) a relationship that impedes their partners happiness would be considered immoral. In contrast, if this omission has no negative effect on the uninformed person, then there is no reason that this lack of disclosure should be deemed immoral. For example, if a woman enters, what she believes will be, a long term relationship with a guy who is a wanted fugitive, who chooses to keep his criminal record a secret, then the woman is in danger of being arrested and sent to jail for harboring a fugitive. Assuming that prison is not an objective for the woman, this will obviously obstruct her happiness and the act of omission in this case is therefore immoral. In contrast, if the fugitive told the girl that he was on the run from justice then it can be assumed that she would not consent to entering a relationship with the man and although the possibility of being arrested would no longer exist, the man would be deprived of the pleasure he sought to have with the woman. But if the nature of the relationship is manipulated, specifically it's duration, then the fugitives status as an escaped convict can be made irrelevant. Let's assume that the two met in a hotel bar while traveling, spent the night together, and went separate ways in the morning heading towards opposite sides of the country. Under these circumstances, the girl is no longer in danger of being arrested although she is still unaware that the inmate she had a very brief relationship with was a runaway.

It is clear now, that the information one has to or does not have to disclose depends directly on the type of relationship the two participants seek while the use of normative ethical principles assists in creating a definite line between right and wrong. Even basic information commonly believed to be an absolute necessity, such as a first and last name, can be proven irrelevant if given the right circumstances. There are an infinite number of situations in which a person can find reasons why certain information should be declared as a moral obligation to disclose before or during a relationship and other information should not. But the basic principles previously listed will give legitimacy to any argument in which any circumstance is evaluated.

 

 

 

Geoffrey Kiarie

Mike Mauriello
Sarah Fay
Jahmari Erkerd