La sexualite implique un engagement
2757 mots
12 pages
The Concept of Using Another Person, by MappesThis argument against using another person is Kantian. Mappes’ argument rests on the Kantian argument “Respect for Persons”. This is also the only argument that Mappes provides as criteria for determining morally permissible sexual behavior. On the basis of the
Kantian argument in favor of the intrinsic value of rational beings, and the requisite duty not to ever treat such beings merely as a means to an end, Mappes provides requisite conditions, which spring from this. Mappes argues that if rational beings must be treated as ends in themselves and if by this we mean that such beings are valuable because they are autonomous and have the right to self-determination, then certain conditions must be in tact for this to occur whatever the moral dilemma concerned. Here it is applied for the case of sexual morality. The conditions that Mappes outlines are known by the abbreviation VIC.
VIC stands for Voluntary Informed Consent. Mappes understands that respect for rationality, and the right to self-determination which this involves, can only be protected when decisions which are made are established: (a) on the basis of all pertinent information, accurately relayed, that could effect the outcome of the decision in question
(information); (b) the voluntary character of submitting to a decision on the basis of which the decision constitutes a realistic choice; and
(c) that the consent of the individual follows from their rational determination of the situation as described.
Mappes outlines ways in which VIC can be violated. With respect to (a) deception is obviously a violation. Here, of course, it is not just outright lying that is a violation of the informed aspect of VIC, but also the omission of pertinent information that you know would alter or influence the outcome of the decision in question. Surely the point regarding deception is that unless someone is fully informed the
decision