Critical Thinking and Sexual Decision

Critical Thinking and Sexual Decision PSY/265 January 18, 2013 Critical Thinking and Sexual Decision When using value systems for making sexual decisions, you are talking about legalism, Situational ethics, ethical revelation, hedonism, ascetism, utilitarianism and rationalism. Each of these value systems is another way of justifying why you make the decisions you make. According to Rathus, Nevid, and Fichner-Rathus (2011) legalism is when people base their decisions on an external code of moral laws such as religion.

Situational ethics is when people base their decisions on what they are facing at the present time. Ethical relativism is when people believe that there is more than one correct moral view and bases their decisions on their principles and their conscience. Hedonism is when people base their decision on if something feels good or not with no regard to any morals. Ascetism is the belief of self-denial of material and sexual desires, therefore making their decisions based on that belief. Utilitarianism is when people base a decision on “the greatest good for the greatest number. Rationalism is when people base their decision after weighing the pros and cons about doing something. When it came to me personally I would have to say that I can see myself using two of the value systems. The first would be ethical relativism. Although I do not feel that there is one set of morals, I do base my decisions on my principles and my conscience. An example of this would be when a man thought that he could buy me. He told me that I could have anything I wanted, and that he would pay my bills, as well as making sure that my children would want for nothing and that all I had to do was sleep with him.

The catch is, he was married. When facing this choice it was my principles and my conscience that made me say no. The second would be rationalism. The reason for this is because I always weigh the pros and cons before making any decision in my life. These decisions can be anything from how I spend my money, to whom I may have sex with. References: Rathus, S. A. , Nevid, J. S. , & Fichner-Rathus, L. (2011). Human Sexuality in a World of Diversity (8th ed. ). Boston, Massachusetts: Allyn