Sexual Ethics

A field of study focusing on the nature, practices, and purposes of human sexuality. Since Augustine human sexuality has been understood primarily in light of marriage and family by Christian ethics. The ends of human sexuality were understood thus in terms of procreation, mutual society, and the remedy of sin. Protestant reformers generally raised mutual society or companionship as the primary end of sexuality rather than procreation. Contemporary moralists have emphasized the positive end of pleasure rather than seeing pleasure as the occasion for sin and therefore in need of remedy. In addition to understandings formed by scripture and the moral tradition, contemporary sexual ethics are more broadly informed by historical studies as well as the natural and social sciences. Central questions in sexual ethics now include the nature of sexuality, sexual orientation, sexual identity, and gender identity; the historic and social diversity of sexual practices and relationships; and the effects of patriarchy and the need for justice, equality, and intimacy.