"Virtue ethics is of little use when dealing with sexual ethics". Discuss - 35 marks

Virtue ethics then seems to imply that an action is right if it is what a virtuous person who exercises the virtues would characteristically do in a situation. This links with Aristotle’s ideas where we learn how to become virtuous through practice in life. As we become better we learn how to balance out what we do evenly between the vices of deficiency and excess. Therefore in relation to sexual ethics it would say we learn through example as life goes on how to be more virtuous and do the right thing. For some this might seem like a good approach because it shows us how the whole of our lives can have an impact on our futures and also how learning is a slow process. Both of these things fit in with our life experiences. On the other hand this might seem like a bad approach as it suggests that if we learn as we grow up what is most virtuous then our virtues are culturally relative. Therefore, as a consequence some things which some learn as wrong such as child molesting might be considered as acceptable by others. Therefore in this scenario Kantian Ethics might be a better approach, especially the categorical imperative. This says we shouldn’t commit an action unless we want it to be universalised so that everyone does it. It is clear that we don’t want such things like child molesting to be universalised as it would have dangerous consequences in the future. Therefore, it should be taught universally that child molesting isn’t right so people won’t grow up thinking someone virtuous does such a thing and follows their example.

Michael Slote, a virtue ethicist took a different approach and emphasised the importance of care in a relationship. He suggests there are three things we should balance: caring for those near us, caring for people in general, and caring for our own well-being. This can be good as it allows us to balance justice in treating others as we want to be treated with fidelity with regards to our relationship with others. However, in some ways this might be too restrictive and it can be difficult for people to balance these things whilst having a good quality of life. Therefore, utilitarianism might be better. In an ideal world utilitarianism wants the greatest number of people to be happy which in itself would promote the idea of justice in a relationship. However, they would say that if being just in a relationship just to save your partner is impeding you from enjoying your life it is fair to be honest with them as long as you have tried for as long as you can to keep things normal.

In conclusion after having considered the view point of virtue ethics and looked at other theories it is fair to say that virtue ethics is of little use when dealing with sexual ethics. This is because unlike other theories it doesn’t tell people what they should do. This is its main draw back as if it doesn’t advise people then we are still not any the wise after looking at the theory of how to act appropriately. Finally, people also say it is weak as they leave it at the choice of the person to decide what will make them more virtuous. This is unhelpful because some things which many consider wrong might for them be right if in their eyes it will help them become more virtuous. If everyone did what they wanted to in this respect there could be harmful consequences for society as a whole.