1. 1 Morality, Ethics and Philosophy

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

3. 3 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: 1No ready made answers: clarification of positions 2Search for the truth through rational discussion 3Analysis and Arguments

4. 4 Why Ethics? Why Philosophy? CLAIM ASSUMPTIONS CONSEQUENCES

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

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

7. 7Outline 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. 8Outline The argument that homosexuality is wrong because unnatural What is it to be ``natural”? Is homosexuality ``unnatural” Is what is ``natural” morally right? Conclusion

9. 9 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?

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

11. 11 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

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

13. 13 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

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

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

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

17. 17 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

18. 18 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

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

20. 20Conclusion 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.