Need help with questions. Does not have to be long at all No plagiarism ETHIC and COMM Relation Class
In the sociological literature and in popular opinion, "deviant" sexual acts typically include everything from bisexuality, nudism, topless dancing, and fetish behavior to more extreme acts such as pedophilia (sex with children), zoophilia (sex with animals), and necrophilia (sex with dead persons). However unconventional, most sexually deviant acts are not defined as crimes (in all places and circumstances, at least). On the other hand, more extreme forms of sexual deviance such as sex with children, animals, and dead persons are more universally regarded as unlawful. However, a strict interpretation of relativism would suggest that even these actions, no matter how despicable, could not be defined as categorically immoral--or, for that matter, "criminal." Depending on the persons involved, the culture, time period, circumstances, etc., they may be morally acceptable.
Using the insights of relativism and objectivism discussed in this chapter, on what basis could you argue that these deviant sexual practices should always, everywhere be "criminal"? On what basis could you argue that they should not be? Can you think of specific situations in which sex with children, animals, or dead persons might be acceptable or excusable?
One of the commonalities shared by the three sex crimes discussed above is that, unlike nude dancing or sadomasochistic behaviors that are consensual acts with no identifiable "victim," children, animals, and dead persons are unable to offer voluntary and knowing consent. When it comes to sexual practices, is consent a desirable basis on which to judge legal or illegal? Can you think of any consensual sexual acts that should be considered immoral and/or illegal? Can you think of any nonconsensual sexual acts that should not be considered immoral and/or illegal?
How might the observations regarding the distinction between mala in se and mala prohibita assist you in differentiating between different forms of sexual deviance and in identifying sex crimes? What if any, types of sexual behavior would you consider wrong-in-themselves? Why?
