Help with my Ethics Assignment..

[Superflyer]

1. What are your views regarding sex outside of marriage?
I have no problems with this as long as it is between two consenting adults then I am fine with it.
(Edit : If you are talking about a married person going outside of marrage then I am against it, if it is 2 single adults then go for it)

2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?
I have no problems with this as well, I do not think that because someone is gay they should not have the same rights as others.

3. Wht are your views on abortion?
I am against abortion except in special cases i.e. a woman was raped and got pregnant from that. I would much rather have the baby be born and given up for adoption then to be aborted.
I do not look at abortion like some people do (i.e. it is muder) I look at it like simply aborting a pregnancy. My problem is people that use it as a form of birth control, that is when I have problems.

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 I belive that such things as Violence and Murder are wrong no matter what, except in self defence.

5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?
The purpose of life is to progress the world, take it from what it was when you were born and make it a better place before you die. This does not necessaraly meen that everyone has to do something major in their life like invent fire or the wheel but just as long as you do something that can make things better.

6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives?
If you believe in the bible then it should play a major part in your life, if you are not then it should not play any part in your life. Myself I do not belive in the bible and religion so to me it is the same as any other book on the shelf.

7. Do you go to church? If so, how often?
No I do not because I do not believe in religion. I used to go every Sunday when I was a child but as I grew I formed my own opinions and decided that I do not need to attend as I do not believe in what is taught\preached.

[Cube Inmate]

Ethics class?? C'mon...surely you can copy it off of someone? Well...if not, I'll answer your questions anyhow. Sounds more like morals than ethics, however.

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.

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

Assuming you mean sex in the absence of marriage, rather than sex outside of one's own marriage, I'm fine with it. Just keep your stinking, oozing STDs to yourself.

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

They're a natural part of life for some unknown reason. I prefer not to see two men getting jiggy, but I'm fine with two hot women going at it.

3. Wht are your views on abortion?

I don't think it should be used as birth control, but there could be legitimate reasons to abort an embryo or fetus. Life does not begin at conception...but it probably does begin before birth. Complicated, and I hope I never have to make this kind of decision.

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. Humans are nothing more than animals with self-awareness. Under other circumstances, survival might best be achieved through things that are morally evil in our society.

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

Whatever the individual makes of it. We're all going to be space dust in 6 billion years anyhow, so the only true meaning is whatever provides meaning to the individual's own consciousness.

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

Fiction. Bad fiction. Could heat several homes for years if we burned them all.

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

Yes...whenever I'm invited to a wedding, funeral, or pagan ritual occurring in such a venue.

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

Thanks.

[Resolute 14]

Yeah, I am not sure how this fits into ethics either. It really is more of a morals/personal character survey.

Anyhoo...


1. What are your views regarding sex outside of marriage?
--Perfectly fine with it, and much happier if more people were willing to...err... engage with me. ;o) People are way too hung up on archaic religious/societal fears about what level of intimacy two people should have outside of marriage. It's a natural function of life.

Edit to add: This is assuming you are talking about two unmarried people. I see every day the effect one a-hole cheating on his spouse has. People like that should be castrated.

2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?
--People have every right to chose the type of relationship they want.

3. Wht are your views on abortion?
--I would never consider it, and wouldn't have anything to do with a woman who would find it to be a solution to an unwanted pregnancy. At the same time, I don't feel the need to push my views onto others. It's not my place to make such a decision for others.

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 and no. And the fact that virtually every culture or religion shares many of these moral absolutes (ie: thou shalt not kill) argues that this is part of normal human nature. Of course, the abnormal humans often prove to be exceptions, so it can easily be said there is no such thing as an absolute in this regard.

5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?
--If I knew that, I would be a much happier person.

6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives?
--Haven't read it. No desire to. It is a tool used by a religion to push someone else's values onto an individual. IMO, each person needs to discover right and wrong themselves. If reading the bible helps them, then good. Not for me, however.

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

[Burninator]

1. What are your views regarding sex outside of marriage?
Acceptable. In fact I think there should be more of it. Our society is too prudish about sex.

2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?
Acceptable. Totally a personal choice that shouldn't be prevented in any way.

3. Wht are your views on abortion?
Acceptable. I am 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)?
I would like to think that basic human rights would be a moral absolute, but in reality we shape our morals from the collective that is society.

5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?
Simply put; perpetuation of the species. I wish I could expand on that, but I really can't. Despite all of us being such advanced species (in comparison to the rest of the animal life) I still believe everything boils down to that.

6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives?
The bible is antiquated and is a poor moral guide. I firmly believe that anything taken from the bible that can play a "role" in ones life can be found in both nature (science) and society. Despite the good that the bible has brought, it has also ushered in lots of terrible things, and has slowed our progress as a species for too long. So I feel the bible does not need to play a role in our lives.

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

[Mayer]

Thanks for everyones help. Keep it coming.

As for whethe this is an ethical survey or a moral/personal preference survey, I can't really comment on that. It is an assignment in my Ethics class. I don't really know what else to say about it.

[zukes]

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

Before marriage, sure. Outside of marriage, no, unless there is some agreement between the couple. Not in mine, that's for sure

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

I'm all for hot lesbians!!! Seriously, to each their own. Not my thing, with the exception of hot lesbians.

3. What are your views on abortion?

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.

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

Be happy, create life.

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

Whatever role you choose, but don't preach to others. Personally, I have no use for the bible, but again, to each their own.

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

No

[Ford Prefect]

1. What are your views regarding sex outside of marriage?
Edit:
Premarital = Okay, as long as between consenting adults.
Extramarital = Okay, as long as both spouses are aware and okay with the setup.

2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?
Same as heteros ... keep it to yourself and out of public places.

3. Wht are your views on abortion?
Doctors should have more involvement in the decision to assure it's done for medical purpposes and in extreme cases such as rape, and not as a means of birth control.

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, in cases of disagreement, I am always right. Just kidding. Other than extreme cases of criminal behaviour being indefensibly wrong (Ng, Dahlmer, Pickton, Benardo & Homolka, Olson, etc.) most issues have a few billions shades of gray.

5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?
Live, bring joy to others, and leave the place better off when you leave than when you arrived.

6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives?
It's a good work of fiction. It has many good signposts to live our lives by, but you need to be careful about the spin churches try to put on its meaning.

7. Do you go to church? If so, how often?
Yes. Not very.

[Sylvanfan]

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

As long as the people are responsible and consentual about it I see no problem. But I think people have to fully understand whats involved, what the consequences are and be willing to accept them before hand. Not like a certain idiot who we banned because it was either a bad joke...or a text book example of why idiots seem to multiply. I think too many people seem to get married just so they can have sex and don't fully understand the rest of their relationship.


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

Well I'll admit that people who are publically affectionate in these relationships tend to catch my eye moreso than hetero couples. In the case of a homosexual male relationships...the public affection does make me a bit uneasy, but as long they don't aggressively come after me I don't let it bother me too much. What they do within the boundaries of their own homes is their bussiness.

3. What are your views on abortion?

I think it should be permitted....but at the same time those wanting the proceedure should be briefed and evaluated as to the consequences and subject to a set of sessions to make sure they're fully understanding of the situation. Why they did it, and what happened that they ended up in needing to have one. Basically a measure to screen and teach irresponsible people that this is not okay and that you can't just continue getting abortions every time you do something you regret (disclaimer: Not trying to suggest this is the sole reason that causes people to get this proceedure)

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

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

To experience as much as you can and attempt to improve yourself and the life of others.

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

To me the Bible is the longest surviving work of fiction known to man. It should play a part in the lives of people who wish for it to do so, but should not be forced onto everyone in society.

7. Do you go to church? If so, how often?
I have been to church...but do not attend on a regular basis. I have maybe been to church for ceremonies or weddings on about 15 occasions in my life. Most of those being for weddings.

[Russic]

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

If you're mature enough to deal with the consequences should something unplanned occur, you are mature enough to have sex imo.

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

Absolutely for them. To me the idea that choice plays a large role is laughable. Biologically it's part of the coding in some individuals. The fact that we descriminate against groups such as these disgusts me a lot more than the act itself.

3. Wht are your views on abortion?

A necessary evil. In a perfect world all unwanted babies would just be put up for adoption, but this is far from a perfect world. Unfortunately it will be used as birth control, but that shouldn't be a reason to deny it to everybody else.

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, but very few. The value of human life comes to mind.

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

I do not believe there is one.

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

I feel the bible and religion in general are tools that are far too powerful for us to use properly all the time. It can create the greatest compassion and the greatest intolerance.

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

Used to, not anymore.

[Ford Prefect]

I'm astounded no one has responded to the meaning of life question with "hookers and blow" yet. We're losing our edge people.

[BlackEleven]

1. What are your views regarding sex outside of marriage?
I'm fine with it. I've been living unmarried with my girlfriend for the last 5 years, and we don't have any plans to wed.

2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?
I don't think there's anything at all wrong with it. It's just the way they were born, and I don't think society should hold anything against them for that.

3. Wht are your views on abortion?
It's something I don't know if I could encourage anyone to do, but I believe ultimately that a woman has the right to decide what to do with her own 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.

5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?
To find happiness, love and personal fulfillment and add positive contributions to society.

6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives?
I think people should be able to belive in whatever they want.

I do have a problem though with people perverting the messages in the Bible and using it to breed extremism and hate towards homosexuals, aborition doctors, or practioners of other religions.

I also feel that a disproportionately large number of its followers are close-minded and judgemental especially in regards to science -- all the way back Galielo's theory of the Earth revolving around the Sun up to the current debate on evolution -- and in regards to other issues that don't conform to their religious beliefs.

That said, I believe most of its followers to be moral, kind people and that a few sometimes ruin it for the many.

7. Do you go to church? If so, how often?
I go once a year at Christmas (at my mother's request).

[Flashpoint]

1. What are your views regarding sex outside of marriage?
Nothing wrong with it whatsoever. Sex is fun and is hard wired into our genetics.
EDIT - like everyone else in the thread, I don't know what the question is actually asking. Extramarital sex is ok only if both spouses are ok with it IMO, and premarital sex is fine as I said above. If it is "cheating" then it is dishonest.

2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?
They are the same thing. Sounds like a church question to not know the difference. Is this a Sunday School quiz to show that non-church goers are "evil" (i.e. Tolerant)?

In any case - nothing wrong with homosexuality whatsoever. If two adults want to hit it, then so be it.

3. Wht are your views on abortion?
Abortion is great. It has reduced the number of unwanted children, and allowed women suffering from unplanned pregnancy not to have their lives turned upside down.

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. People that abuse children should be removed from society.

5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?
To enjoy the world in whatever limited time you have given to you, and to help others do the same.

6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives?
It is a piece of fiction with some good stories about morality, that is too frequently used to justify immoral, bigoted acts. As to what role - no moreso than any other book, and perhaps less important due to it's age, removal from contemporary times, and multiple translations and editing over the course of history.

7. Do you go to church? If so, how often?
Never. Organized religion is a form of brainwashing, since most members are indoctrinated before they are self aware. Most also preach that you can expect a payoff after death - instead of telling people that this life is all you are getting so make the most of it.

[jolinar of malkshor]

I am astonished that people are so sure that life is finished after death.

[Flashpoint]

Originally Posted by jolinar of malkshor

I am astonished that people are so sure that life is finished after death.

I'm astonished by so many people putting up with crappy lives because they think they'll be going to heaven as a result of their suffering.

I've always figured you have to make the most of your time. If you get more, then bonus to you. If not, you have no regrets.

[Mayer]

Originally Posted by Flashpoint

I'm astonished by so many people putting up with crappy lives because they think they'll be going to heaven as a result of their suffering.

I've always figured you have to make the most of your time. If you get more, then bonus to you. If not, you have no regrets.

A couple things from my point of view. I wanted to just view the responses but your last couple posts were really interesting and warrent some response.

First, I thinks its wrong to assume that people who are religious live crappy lives. I'm a Christian, I believe in a heaven and a hell, but my life is great! I have fun, I live life to the fullest etc. Just because I choose to not have sex until I'm married doesn't mean my life is boring. I assume this is what you were getting at with your post, if not, then ignore.

Second, in your original answering of the questions, I found it interesting that you said people who abuse children should be taken out of society, yet abortion is great. I honestly don't know where I personally stand on abortion, and I'm kind of playing devils advocate here, but that seems strange. I guess it comes back to the "when is a fetus a living being" argument.

Anyways, thanks for taking the time to answer the questions. I appreciate it.

[Azure]

Originally Posted by Flashpoint

I'm astonished by so many people putting up with crappy lives because they think they'll be going to heaven as a result of their suffering.

I've always figured you have to make the most of your time. If you get more, then bonus to you. If not, you have no regrets.

Some of us believe in the after life....but still want to live without any regrets.

[Ford Prefect]

Originally Posted by Mayer

Snip/
I guess it comes back to the "when is a fetus a living being" argument.

Aye, like the bard says, there's the rub. Clearly, it's a different answer for everyone and part of the reason this topic is so divisive and hotly debated. I can only speak from personal experience, but my wife and I lost twin sons at 21 weeks gestation. They were live births, but not viable lives and did not live long. Based on that experience though, I'd say life definitely begins at some point prior to 21 weeks gestation. Andrew and Evan, the twins, were very much living beings, with distinct traits and characteristics. Their lives were measured in hours rather than years, but they were nevertheless "beings". I guess that still doesn't really answer the question of when life starts though. In my opinion, it's definitely no later than 21 weeks ... and I can certainly see the agrument for it being at conception.

[MolsonInBothHands]

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.

I haven't read the rest of the thread yet, so these are uninfluenced responses.

1. What are your views regarding sex outside of marriage?
As long as involves solely age of consent adults, I have no problems with it.

2. What are your views regarding homosexual or lesbian relationships?
I have been encouraging my wife to explore her lesbian side under my supervision. Again, if its adults, it their business and only their business.

3. Wht are your views on abortion?
Much the same as above, however, I do have issues with this repeatedly being used as a birth control mechanism. Adults should be able to deal responsibly with the consequences of their actions.

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.

5. What, in your view, is the purpose of life?
I am not sure how to answer that. What is my purpose in life? I wish I knew. Why does man, or anything in this universe exist? I didn't make it, so I can't answer. I don't think we are meant to know our purpose in the grand scheme of things.

6. What is your view of the Bible and what role should it play in our lives?
It is a collection of myths and fables that attempt to explain things we don't understand, and guide us in making moral decisions. It should play whatever role an individual wishes for it to serve.

7. Do you go to church? If so, how often?
No, never. Weddings and funerals, that's it.

[LChoy]

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

Abstinence until marriage is a rarity these days. I prefer that if it is to happen, that it be meaningful and of course, by consenting adults. Obviously, sex shouldn’t be the sole reason for marriage. Last thing, if people do have sex; make sure they practice safe sex. Not only to prevent unwanted pregnancies, but the STI rates in Alberta are steadily rising.

Wait, if you mean sex outside a committed relationship, I don’t agree with it. I do agree that it can be easy to stray, especially since temptation is a dangerous thing. However, if one finds themselves tempted, it should mean that there maybe something wrong with their relationship, and might be something to look into.


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

Like the deodorant, Strong enough for a man, but made for a women
All kidding aside, I don’t have a problem with it. It's people private lives so they can do whatever they want, as long as they are not hurting others.

3. What are your views on abortion?

I’ve been going back and forth on this issue, and now sit in the middle of this debate. I think there are times when it should be allowed (life of the mother threatened) and when it's not (due date conflicts with someone's travel schedule). I don't think it should be a strictly for or against issue.

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, I can never cheer for the Oilers
Seriously, I like to believe I do for things like equality and preservation of life. However, anyone can justify any action, including those that most people would frown upon. What I may think is an absolute may not be for someone else.

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

The transfer of genetic material inorder to preserve your species. Secondly, To continuously produce better adaptation and survival traits for future generations.

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

The world’s first self-help book and autobiography . Not really religious, but a document where those that believe, can use as a guide on how to live what they believe as a good Christian life. However, like any document written from the past, should not be followed literally nor forced upon others. Because it was written many years (200?) after Jesus' death, and from a selection of gospels that someone put together, it is only an interpretation.

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

No, unless for weddings and funerals.



Because this sounds like a survey about what people think about religion, my $0.02 cents. Religon should really be simply a collection of values and morales individuals choose to live their lives by. With individuals, there will always be difference. Organized, these differences can lead to violence, which overrides the original purpose of such religion.

[Mayer]

Sorry guys, I should have clarified the very first question. It's supposed to mean sex "before" marriage. At least thats what I assume it means. Christians believe sex outside of marriage (whether that be before, or during) is wrong, so I can only assume thats what he meant.

Sorry for the confusion.