Reflect on how the philosophical theories in this course have enabled you to examine your own beliefs about love and /or sex.
People invest their money, time and life in relationships because they mean everything to them. However, many relationships fail because of wrong approaches. The percentage of divorces keep increasing globally because people get into marriages and relationships for the wrong reasons. There are many weird reasons that compel people to relationships and marriages. For examples, some are compelled by age, money, beauty, wealth, society, status quo, unexpected pregnancy, sex, and peer pressures to get into relationships. Kant in his moral theory considers motive of reason as the main consideration behind any humanistic action.
The philosophical theories that I have learned in this course have provided some enlightenment in my beliefs about love. It has totally changed my perceptions and approach about relationships. I now understand the wrong reasons that lead to failed relationships. I understand that the ability to have a strong, healthy and loving relationship is not normally innate, but rather a product of positive cultivation and good application of fundamental principles of love. It is, therefore, necessary to master the skills and psychological theories that support healthy relationships and that make them flourish.
Discuss 2 ideas/theories that have influenced you. Carefully state and explain each idea/theory and then explain how it has influenced your thinking.
Kant’s theory have significantly impacted my view on relationships and marriage. Kant’s theory significantly elaborate a great deal concerning our ethically problematic conduct on others as well as how our self-centred actions may be morally challenging to others. Kant has uniquely provided a set of theoretical tools and moral ideologies that allow individuals address countless controversial issues based on morality. Basically, the Formula of Humanity, offers instinctively plausible and reasonable ethical principle that enables us to understand and be in a position to explain what is considered right and wrong in relationship. Whether the consequences of relationships fulfil their duty is the key concern that Kant’s theory imposes (Aune, 2014, P.71). Most studies have suggested that the ability to form a strong and stable relationship starts in infancy stage, in a child’s initial encounter with a caregiver who consistently meets the most important need of the infant, including food, clothing, care, protection, inspiration, and social contact. This has made me realize that parenting plays a significant role in establishing a good foundation of love in the life of an individual. Poor parenting can affect the idea of love in the life of an individual.
Sex and Pornography
Sex can be morally challenging in a number of ways and many otherwise ethically decent persons have, at one time, succumbed to temptation to do what they otherwise understand to be morally unacceptable in an attempt to gratify their desires. On other occasions, people may resort to unorthodox means in the bid to understand love and sex by watching pornographic materials. Pornography has been the main cause of sex addiction among the youths (Sabina, Wolak & Finkelhor, 2008, P.692). Individuals watch pornographic videos and pictures in the attempt to fulfil their sexual desires. Majority, especially the youth, consider internet as the tool that enables them to learn what they are not taught by their parents and teachers. Wrong reasons lead to unfulfilling relationships that end up hurting their feeling. This sometimes leads to sexual addictions that totally destroys the ability to make wise decisions in matters pertaining relationships.
Reference
Aune, B. (2014). Kant’s Theory of Morals. Princeton University Press.
Sabina, C., Wolak,J., & Finkelhor, D. (2008). The Nature and Dynamics of Internet Ponography exposure for Youths. CybePsychology & Behavior, 11(6), 691-693.