Sex Utilitarianism and Liberty

1. Sex Utilitarianism and Liberty • Agenda • To understand the utilitarianism foundations with relation to matters of sex • To explore the explicit views of Bentham and Mill as well as modern utilitarian applications • To understand some of the pillars of a libertarian approach to matters of sex

2. Summary • Bentham writes in ‘Essay on Paederasty[18th century term for anal sex]’ that the law should only enter the bedroom when what occurs there does harm to society. • Do you agree? Why is this a sensible position? Are there any flaws?

3. Video • Watch the following clip

4. Live Free or Die • In the sopranos episode live free or die, mafia boss tony soprano finds out one of his senior captains (capo) is gay. • Homosexuality is taboo and seen as a sign of male weakness • Tony, with his psychiatrist, expresses his views on the matter • He believes homosexual acts to be disgusting • He is also the boss and so is acutely aware of the importance of morale and ‘being seen’ to do the ‘right’ thing • What is good for business is also a major factor in his outlook • He does express the belief that what goes on in private is none of his concern

5. What underlying values (potentially conflicting) does Tony Soprano hold? • What would a utilitarian do in this situation?

6. Activity • In pairs, you are going to imagine your given person is being interviewed by a psychiatrist. Using handout information, you are going to script the responses to the given questions • They share their feelings very openly as they are confidential • To be performed next lesson

8. Questions • 1) If I were to say sexual intercourse is moral, what would your response be? • 2) So do you think people should be allowed to do whatever causes the greatest happiness? • 3) Is autonomy in matter sex the key then? • 4) How do you view the rights and roles of women compared to men in matters of sex? • 5) So contraception is brilliant then, right? • 6) How do you feel about homosexuality? • 7) So do you think homosexual acts should be illegal? • If you caught your partner watching porn or masturbating, how would you react? • 8) If you were to give one word to explain how you feel about sexual ethics, what would it be?

9. Summary • Bentham writes in ‘Essay on Paederasty[18th century term for anal sex]’ that the law should only enter the bedroom when what occurs there does harm to society. • Do you agree? Why is this a sensible position? Are there any flaws?

10. ‘The Enigma of William Tell’ Salvador Dali

11. Psychiatrist Task • One word about your person’s perspective on sex • Complete Interviews • Read script • During reading, create a utilitarianism and sexual ethics mindmap • As a ‘fly on the wall’ in the meeting, do you have any challenges or questions for the character?

12. Consider strengths and weaknesses • ‘Utilitarianism offers the best possible approach to the ethics of sex.’ Discuss.