Help with my Ethics Assignment..

[Mayer]

Hey guys/girls.

As an assignment in my Ethics class, I'm supposed to conduct a survey type thing. There are 7 questions and I'd really appreciate anyone who would take the time to write down your opinion on these 7 ethical issues. It shouldn't take long, and it may spark some additional debate as well, which is always interesting. Anyways, here they are. You can respond in this thread, or if you prefer, you could PM me.

1. What are your views regarding sex outside of marriage?

2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?

3. Wht are your views on abortion?

4. Do you believe in moral absolutes (ie: that there are some things that are always right or wrong regardless of culture or religion)?

5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?

6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives?

7. Do you go to church? If so, how often?


Thats it. Again, I'd really appreciate anyone who would help me out and answer these questions.

Thanks.

[llama64]

1. What are your views regarding sex outside of marriage?
Fine by me, as long as people arn't idiots and try to have kids outside of marriage. Our society isn't setup to handle child raising outside of committed relationships, which makes it wrong to raise kids in that context. Wish that would change some how though.

2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?
It isn't immoral, unethical or wrong. Just not for me.

3. Wht are your views on abortion?
I support the choice of abortion. I cannot argue against it as it comes down to situtations where you either abort or lose the mother during child birth. In these situations, you do everything to save the mother first, child second.

4. Do you believe in moral absolutes (ie: that there are some things that are always right or wrong regardless of culture or religion)?
No. Morality is a human contruction and is used as a social tool to regulate members behavoir towards a common goal. Moral absolutes exist entirely to appease those people who have trouble viewing issues in anything but binary terms.

5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?
To survive. Beyond that, there is no "purpose" beyond what we define for ourselves.

6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives?
It's outdatated as a moral guide. Most of it's "answers" were created 2500 years ago before the invention of medical science and other more recent advancements. Hence, it's now safe to eat pork. Which means that the rest of the rules in there are suspect.

7. Do you go to church? If so, how often?
Not any more. Organized religion leaves a foul taste in my mouth. The more people you stick into a room, the lower the average intelligence of each person gets. Spirituality is an individual pursuit.

[gottabekd]

1. What are your views regarding sex outside of marriage?
Like sex before you get married? Great!

Or sex outside of your marriage? No, I have a problem with that.

2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?

A big meh. Doesn't affect me.

3. Wht are your views on abortion?

Not a very nice thing, should not be a form of birth control, but is necessary in our society.

4. Do you believe in moral absolutes (ie: that there are some things that are always right or wrong regardless of culture or religion)?

Not sure.

5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?

Be entertained.

6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives?

I've never read it, and I do okay. If some people think it is important, good for them, but don't shove it down my throat.

7. Do you go to church? If so, how often?

Nope.


Thats it. Again, I'd really appreciate anyone who would help me out and answer these questions.

Thanks.[/quote]

[flylock shox]

1. What are your views regarding sex outside of marriage?

The more the better.

2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?

Males: go for it guys, just keep it down will ya?
Chicks: can I watch?

3. What are your views on abortion?

Undecided.

4. Do you believe in moral absolutes (ie: that there are some things that are always right or wrong regardless of culture or religion)?

There are some universal truths, but they’re very basic, and very few. The value of human life is the only one that springs to mind.

5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?

Getting in some laughs while you can. But always remember, the joke's on you.

6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives?

Too slow. Could have used a better editor. Currently have one propping up a busted table leg.

7. Do you go to church? If so, how often?

Only if they’re having a bake sale. Food is so good when there’s a little bit of Jeebus in every bite. Mmm... Jeebus.

[The Yen Man]

1. What are your views regarding sex outside of marriage?
Don't have a problem with it. It's all up to individual choices.
edit: Whoops, I took the question to mean if it meant sex before marriage. I don't support adultry. Once you're committed to a person, at least have the deceny to get a divorce before messing around.

2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?
Again, I don't have a problem with it. It's again up to individual choices.

3. What are your views on abortion?
I support freedom of choice, so I support a person's right to whether or not they want abortions.

4. Do you believe in moral absolutes (ie: that there are some things that are always right or wrong regardless of culture or religion)?
Nope, everything is all relative.

5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?
Live your life the fullest, and be content with what you do.

6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives?
No offense to anyone religious, but since I'm not, I look at it as if I'm reading any other book. I don't think people should be bound by what someone a long time ago has written, but that's just my opinion.

7. Do you go to church? If so, how often?
Nope, never have.

[return to the red]

1. What are your views regarding sex outside of marriage?Fine, as long as you aren't married and commit Adultry.

2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?
I'm fine with it as long as it doesn't involve PDA (except for hot women then it's just cool)

3. Wht are your views on abortion? We live in a free country therefore people should have a right to chose. There are certain circumstances where I could relate to a women aborting a child (ie. rape)

4. Do you believe in moral absolutes (ie: that there are some things that are always right or wrong regardless of culture or religion)? I don't believe there is necessarily a right rather a spectrum constituting many grey areas

5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life? Live life to it's fullest achieving personal well-being and if you can make the lives of those around you a little better then great

6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives? It's dependent on every person. Your god isn't better then my god and just because you may not believe in god doesn't mean I have to or you don't have that right

7. Do you go to church? If so, how often? No

[MarchHare]

1. What are your views regarding sex outside of marriage?

There's nothing wrong with premarital sex at all, so long as the involved parties are mature and responsable about it, the acts are completely consensual, and appropriate measures are taken to protect against unwanted pregnancies and the spread of sexually-transmitted diseases.

2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?

Isn't that question redundant? Aren't lesbian relationships homosexual relationships?

In any event, I firmly believe that one's sexual preferences are private, and so long as nobody is being harmed, I have no problem at all with homosexuals enjoying the same rights and freedoms as heterosexual couples.

3. Wht are your views on abortion?

Strongly pro-choice

4. Do you believe in moral absolutes (ie: that there are some things that are always right or wrong regardless of culture or religion)?

Yes, there are moral absolutes. Human rights and laws for things such as banning slavery, freedom of thought and expression, etc. ought to exist in every society, regardless of religious tradition.

5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?

That's a loaded question. Is it referring to human life or the life of all species? Assuming the latter, the only traits that are shared by all living creatures are the instinct to survive and to reproduce.

6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives?

The Bible has played an important role in shaping the social and cultural fabric of Western civilization; however, it's antiquated and ought to play no role in the lives of non-Christians. It must certainly shouldn't influence the governments and the creation of legislation.

7. Do you go to church? If so, how often?

I was raised in a Catholic family and attended church every Sunday until I graduated from high school and moved away from home. I stopped believing in a supernatural god when I was around 15 or so and haven't attended any church services since moving out of my parents' home.

[Regorium]

Originally Posted by Mayer

Hey guys/girls.

As an assignment in my Ethics class, I'm supposed to conduct a survey type thing. There are 7 questions and I'd really appreciate anyone who would take the time to write down your opinion on these 7 ethical issues. It shouldn't take long, and it may spark some additional debate as well, which is always interesting. Anyways, here they are. You can respond in this thread, or if you prefer, you could PM me.

This survey does not sound like ethics, but more religious to me? I digress.

1. What are your views regarding sex outside of marriage?

No problem with it at all. As long as there is proper (read: not what the Catholic church says) education on the potential consequences, as well as access to preventative measures, then it is great.

2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?

No problem with it. It is their choice.

3. Wht are your views on abortion?

Pro-choice. This is pro-CHOICE, not pro-abortion. The woman in question should be allowed to choice with no discrimination what so ever. Also, access to the right information in terms of health and side effects, as well as alternatives such as leaving your baby up for adoption,.

4. Do you believe in moral absolutes (ie: that there are some things that are always right or wrong regardless of culture or religion)?

Yes. Very very few things though. Murder is one of them that is always wrong. Equality is one that is always right.

5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?

To be happy.

6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives?

I think the Bible is a load of crap. It should play no role in our lives. No more than a Harry Potter book for instance. (Bad example, some people are obsessed with HP, but you get my drift)

7. Do you go to church? If so, how often?

Used to, but not anymore.

Originally Posted by Mayer

Thats it. Again, I'd really appreciate anyone who would help me out and answer these questions.

Thanks.

No problem.

[jharp]

1. What are your views regarding sex outside of marriage?

No Issue, just don't be dumb and have kids.

2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?

Bad, bad, bad. Should not be accepted by society, if for no other reason than children. No child should be brought up in a gay household. In response to the inevitable arguement, I would not rather see single parents, neither is good, don't confuse the issue.

3. Wht are your views on abortion?

Undecided. Too complex of an issue. Too many separate issues to be determined on an individual basis.

4. Do you believe in moral absolutes (ie: that there are some things that are always right or wrong regardless of culture or religion)?

Absolutely.

5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?

In its most simple form? procreation. In a more modern sense, advancement of self within the boundaries of society.

6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives?

Mostly false document propagated by the clergy to gain a stranglehold over the gulible masses. Should have no place in society. From the prespective on the individual, if it is something that helps and provides a purpose and a way to lead ones life... all the power to that person.

7. Do you go to church? If so, how often?

Never

[Lanny_MacDonald]

1. What are your views regarding sex outside of marriage?

Better get some outside of marriage, because you ain't gettin' any once you're in a marriage! j/k

It's fine. We're wired to do what we do, and that includes have a lot of sex.

2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?

It's fine. We're wired to do what we do, and for some, that includes have a lot of gay sex. As long as it doesn't include me, I'm cool with it.

3. Wht are your views on abortion?

It's a personal choice and between a woman and her doctor.

4. Do you believe in moral absolutes (ie: that there are some things that are always right or wrong regardless of culture or religion)?

I believe absolutely that there are no moral absolutes. Morals vary from individual to individual and from society to society. What's right for one guy may not be so to another.

5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?

We are what we are. We are born, we live and we die. No one is getting out alive, so we should experience what we can while we are here, and hopefully have an impact on others while we are here.

6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives?

Great door stop. Beyond that, it's the cause of more repression and strife than any other writing in history.

7. Do you go to church? If so, how often?

Strictly for weddings. I don't need a specific building to have a conversation with the greater power. I can do that curled up in the fetal position anywhere.

[Cscutch]

1. What are your views regarding sex outside of marriage?
I am fine with it. It is a natural part of life.

2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?
I have no problems with it. But I believe in equality, no group should recieve special attention. For example there shouldn't be laws forcing people to marry people that they don't want to, there is always someone else that will provide that service.

3. What are your views on abortion?
I am pro choice so I have no problems with it.

4. Do you believe in moral absolutes (ie: that there are some things that are always right or wrong regardless of culture or religion)?
Undecided, as even something’s as killing can be debated. A simple question is would you kill someone if it was the only way you could live?

5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?
Too maintain life by reproducing.

6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives?
True faith is decided by your own decisions not some else’s representation of it.

7. Do you go to church? If so, how often?
Nope.

[Barnes]

1. What are your views regarding sex outside of marriage?
It's a matter of choice. I do it, some don't.

2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?
I don't care. The only opinion on the matter I have is they should be afforded the same things as heterosexual relationships.

3. Wht are your views on abortion?
Not a method of birth control but it's up to the indivdual person/couple to make that choice. I don't think it's right to stop them from having it as a chioce.

4. Do you believe in moral absolutes (ie: that there are some things that are always right or wrong regardless of culture or religion)?
Yes. Some things are universal. Sexual exploitation of minors for example. The definition of minor does vary though.

5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?
42

6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives?
As a base set of rules it makes for a great reference. Taking a document that is that old literally is dangerous.

7. Do you go to church? If so, how often?
For weddings, funerals, baptisims etc.

[Bobblehead]

1. What are your views regarding sex outside of marriage?

It is fine. IMHO there is too much of a stigmatism with regards to sex in North American Society, and this leads to more issues since people are afraid or embarassed to discuss problems.

2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?

That is their personal lifestyle.

3. Wht are your views on abortion?

I don't like it, but believe it is the woman's right to decide what goes on with her body.

4. Do you believe in moral absolutes (ie: that there are some things that are always right or wrong regardless of culture or religion)?

No. I would like to believe that murder is always wrong, but I'm not sure that there isn't somebody somewhere through time that hasn't come up with a justification for murder, and that, by definition, rules murder out as a moral absolute. I tend to think that a similar line of reasoning can be used on any moral absolute put forward.

5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?

I'm not sure that there is an overriding purpose. Any defined purpose is a framework set out by society. You could say reproduction, but that is a biological construct and really boils down to "wanting to exist".

6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives?

I don't believe it should play a role. While it has many virtues, it is also filled with inconsistencies and rigid absolutes that shouldn't relate to today's world.

7. Do you go to church? If so, how often?

Outside of special events (weddings or funerals primarily), No.

[DeanOMac]

1. What are your views regarding sex outside of marriage?

As long as it's done responsibly (ie proper protection etc.)

2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?

Completely against them.

3. Wht are your views on abortion?

Only in extreme circumstances (one example being rape etc.)

4. Do you believe in moral absolutes (ie: that there are some things that are always right or wrong regardless of culture or religion)?

Yes

5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?

To reproduce and keep the human race going.
Enjoyment of life is important as well, but not as deep rooted as the reproduction aspect.

6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives?

Bible is written by man, therefore it is likely flawed, or has had an individuals (whoever were/was the pen holder) personal opinions influence it.

7. Do you go to church? If so, how often?

No. I am a Christain but don't follow an exact organized religion.

[troutman]

1. What are your views regarding sex outside of marriage?

Consenting adults can do whatever they want - use protection.

2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?

See above

3. What are your views on abortion?

I think I am pro-adoption

4. Do you believe in moral absolutes (ie: that there are some things that are always right or wrong regardless of culture or religion)?

Depends on the issue - normally not

5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?

To honor all of your ancestors that survived long enough to procreate - pass the torch of life on to future generations, and not leave them a world that is too messed up - do your best in this world, because it may be the only one we get

6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives?

A work of mythical literature that should be studied metaphorically

7. Do you go to church? If so, how often?

No - humanist

[arsenal]

1. What are your views regarding sex outside of marriage?
I have no problem with sex outside of marriage.

2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?
Nothing against these. It doesn't affect me in anyway, and feel that people are in fact born homosexual.

3. Wht are your views on abortion?
I am in favor of leaving the choice up to the woman or the couple.

4. Do you believe in moral absolutes (ie: that there are some things that are always right or wrong regardless of culture or religion)?
No, there is always a grey area.

5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?
Ultimate purpose.. there isn't one other than to procreate. That's what our bodies are ultimately for. Everything else is a fabrication created by our society.

6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives?
I personally don't believe in the bible, nor religion. Have nothing against the bible, or any religious book, unless they out right decieve their people, or try to push their views on others.

7. Do you go to church? If so, how often?
Used to, not any more. I don't see a point to it.

[Aeneas]

1. I have no problem with it as long as both parties are educated. If you are asking about marital infidelity, then that is wrong.

2. Again no personal issue with what others do in thier private life.

3. I used to believe that it is up to the woman. However I would never want to be the man in the situation and have no say on the life or death of my future offspring. In some cases abortion is I suppose the best alternative; but after having a child, how can you extinguish that chance of life? A child is such an incredible experience, and with good people wanting to adopt in our country, I think abortion is the wrong choice.

4. Yes

5. Leave a strong legacy behind you. That legacy being a happy family, friends and great memories.

6. It should play no role in our lives generally. I am very secular. For those that need the bible, that is thier choice, thier crutch.

7. Used to go very often, now only for weddings and funerals.

[vanisleflamesfan]

Wow, just a few really simple questions eh? I think each of these questions requires a bit more depth in answering than is possible here, but I will take a stab at it.

1. What are your views regarding sex outside of marriage?

Reading over the other posts it seems that there is some confusion regarding the wording of this question. If the question refers to adultery, I think it is a very negative and destructive thing.

If the question refers to sex before marriage; I have absolutely no problem with this. The pre-marital sex prohibition is largely fueled and informed by religion, and I feel that all 'ethics' that are based on biblical interpretation should be questioned. Sex before marriage, provided it is respectful and safe, leads to better relationships in the long term.

2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?

Perfectly normal.

3. Wht are your views on abortion?

I am 100% pro-choice.

4. Do you believe in moral absolutes (ie: that there are some things that are always right or wrong regardless of culture or religion)?

No. I believe in cultural relativism.

5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?

To live your life in the pursuit of maximal self-actualization (wow, I sound really pompous right now), and to live your life in a way that you never interfere with other individuals in their pursuit for maximal self-actualization.

6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives?

The bible should be examined by historians in order to determine the enourmous effects it has had in structuring western societal organization. The bible should be re-translated as it has been corrupted over time to suit particular agendas.

7. Do you go to church? If so, how often?

I don't regularly attend an organized church. In the course of my studies/work, I periodically attend religious rites and ceremonies of all varieties.

[CaptainCrunch]

Originally Posted by Mayer

Hey guys/girls.

As an assignment in my Ethics class, I'm supposed to conduct a survey type thing. There are 7 questions and I'd really appreciate anyone who would take the time to write down your opinion on these 7 ethical issues. It shouldn't take long, and it may spark some additional debate as well, which is always interesting. Anyways, here they are. You can respond in this thread, or if you prefer, you could PM me.

Originally Posted by Mayer

1. What are your views regarding sex outside of marriage?

I'm all for it, the more the merrier. Actually, I strongly believe that marriage is a lifetime commitment, we know some fail, and its a tragedy. However I believe that people give up on the concept of a lifetime of commitment too easily in the day of down the street quicky divorces. I think if you swear to be true whether its civic or church based your obligated not to go out and cheat, no matter how un appealing your mate becomes. If you can't have sex with your mate then get divorced, wait until the divorce is finalized and go rut your weaselly brains out. but don't cheat on marriage for want of a physical desire.

Originally Posted by Mayer

2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?

Don't care, love is love and we're all deserving of it, just don't parade it in front of me or flaunt your sexuality. I don't feel the need to do it because I'm adjusted and confident in my choice of partners, act the same.

Originally Posted by Mayer

3. Wht are your views on abortion?

Personally I don't like it, I believe that life is a gift and you have no right to take it away. In terms of medical required (Birth could cause death) abortions I'm fine with it. What I have a problem with is people using it as a method of birth control. If you don't want a kid use birth control, or better yet don't do it. Or carry the kid to term and make it a gift for someone who can't have but want kids.

Originally Posted by Mayer

4. Do you believe in moral absolutes (ie: that there are some things that are always right or wrong regardless of culture or religion)?

If you believe in moral absolutes society can never progress, there has to be some flexibility in your outlook on life. However you always do have to have some moral boundries that you will never cross.

Originally Posted by Mayer

5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?

Live, experience and Learn. Pass those lessons to the next generation coming in.

Originally Posted by Mayer

6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives?

I've read the bible, I've also read the Book of Morman, the Qu'oran, and even the Statanic bible. Does it shape my life choices, not really. But for some of my friends who have been in trouble its been a great source of inspiration, however I believe that you can't live your life strictly by the scriptures (See section on Moral absolutes). Saying that I've gotten some pretty good insights from various books with in the bible (ie The book of Job)

Originally Posted by Mayer

7. Do you go to church? If so, how often?

Honestly I used to be quite devote and used to go to church regularly as did my parents. But I stopped believing in church as an absolute when our priest was too busy to baptise my younger brother due to another church activity, and he died. Because of the unbending will of the church he wasn't buried in the church graveyard. I go maybe three times a year, Easter, Midnight Mass on Christmas and to the occassional wedding, but I don't believe that the Church truly represents the will of god when it comes to sanctification and worship.

Originally Posted by Mayer

Thats it. Again, I'd really appreciate anyone who would help me out and answer these questions.

Thanks.

[Azure]

Originally Posted by Mayer

Hey guys/girls.
1. What are your views regarding sex outside of marriage?

Personal choice.

But, I don't exactly think that a 'one night stand' is the best way to go. Especially if a guy is looking to take advantage of a girl...one night stand....and the next day he will totally forget that it ever happened. Except of course to brag to his buddies about it.

Is there even satisfication in that? Personally...I don't think so.

2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?

Again a personal choice.

To me it is sick, wrong, disgusting, etc, etc....so keep it to yourself. Then again....I would rather a straight couple keep their 'sexual' stuff to themselves.

3. Wht are your views on abortion?

Absolutely don't agree with it. But, still a personal choice.

4. Do you believe in moral absolutes (ie: that there are some things that are always right or wrong regardless of culture or religion)?

There are certain things that are wrong regardless of culture or religion....sort of a universal belief that they are wrong.

Beyond that, I do believe everyone has to decide what 'they' believe is right and wrong. Even with these questions....there are no moral absolutes. Some people have no problem with an abortion...some do.

5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?

Enjoy it. Make the most of it. Live without regrets.

6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives?

A personal thing once again.

It should 'never' have a say in government.

7. Do you go to church? If so, how often?

Every Sunday.

______________________________

Good idea....pretty interesting responses.