Sex and Morality
Our sexuality is a necessary component of human behavior. Sex is, in fact, a prerequisite for human life. Sex is an integral part of individual and indeed social identity. Sex and sexuality play a multitude of roles in society. They determine to a large degree how we relate to others and even how we perceive the world around us. Sexuality impacts our value systems and our philosophy of life. It is an integral part of our self concept. Many, however, argue that anything sexual is natural and therefore should not be considered immoral. The theory of biological determinism, in particular, is noted for this argument. There are certain aspects of sex, however, that present significant moral concern. Promiscuity, prostitution, and homosexuality, are of particular concern in this regard. While cases can be made defending each of these aspects of sexuality, the fact is that each presents many more societal concerns than it does advantages. If we were to examine these issues from the perspective of the great philosopher John Stewart Mill, in particular, it becomes obvious that each is in fact immoral and unacceptable. Promiscuity is one of the most frowned upon of human behaviors. While it is an accepted element in some of the more primitive of the world’s societies, more advanced societies have historically regarded promiscuity being representative of immorality. This has certainly been the case in the United States up until only relatively recently in history. With the sex, drugs and rock and roll era of the 1960s, however, promiscuity became a m