Congress of the World Association for Sexual Ethics, Glasgow 2011.

1. PHILOSOPHICAL
SEXUAL ETHICS
TOMMI PAALANEN
Philosopher
Specialist
Centre of Excellence
in Sexual Health Education

2. WHAT IS PHILOSOPHICAL
SEXUAL ETHICS?
What is RIGHT and WRONG
or GOOD and BAD in sexual life?
Theoretical approach
Universal principles and methods
Ideological neutrality
Plausible and coherent system
Critical enquiry
Rooting out myths and fallacies
Scientific attitude

3. APPLICATIONS
PHILOSOPHICAL including liberal ethics, virtue ethics etc.
SEXUAL ETHICS
MULTIDISCIPLINARY – ie. theological, sociological
POLITICAL – ie. rights, legislation
PRACTICAL – ie. case studies,
professional ethics
EVERYDAY ETHICS?
RELIGIOUS NORMS?

5. BASIC QUESTIONS
(0. Which acts are sexual?)
1. What kinds of sexual acts are morally acceptable or
unacceptable?
2. Are prevailing sexual norms and legislation justified?
3. What kinds of sexual acts the community may
justifiably ban?
4. Which conditions may justify patronising an
individual in sexual matters?

6. META-LEVEL ANSWERS
Transcending the immediate situation
Rational and objective analysis
Considering structures and circumstances
Applying principles: harming, consent, rights
Professional attitude
vs. personal views
vs. cultural norms or customs
Getting rid of the ”sex stain”
Comparing to other areas of life…

8. LIMITED SCOPE
Phrasing the question
Analytic ethics, liberal tradition
Fundamental moral rules
vs. ideals
vs. lifestyles
vs. healthy practices
Other ethical questions…
from virtue ethics
from philosophy of life

9. THANK YOU!
tommi.paalanen@jamk.fi
www.jamk.fi/sexology