Ethical Analysis of Pornography: Virtue Ethics and Censorship

Introduction

Obscenity and pornography undoubtedly raise serious ethical questions. Barry and Olen, in their 1996 book Applying Ethics, raise two chief questions: Is pornographic content ethically objectionable? Is government regulation of pornography access for consenting adults aged 18 and over morally correct? The authors argue that whether pornography is ethical or not should be treated as a distinct, separate question from whether governments' regulation of pornography access to consenting adults is morally justified. They note that arguments in support of censorship generally hold that pornography represents a morally incorrect activity, which is considered a strong enough reason to suppress it. The debate over whether immoral activities ought to be suppressed remains largely academic until it is conclusively established that such activities are indeed morally wrong.

Ethical Issues at Stake

In any argument against or in favor of pornography censorship, a majority of approaches will be subjective in nature. This is not necessarily a negative basis for argument, but for making a strong case, valid evidence is essential on both sides. A significant body of information must be available before a law can be passed. There does not appear to be any harm, however, in collecting facts while remaining mindful of specific personal values (Hult, Schmedes, and Johansen, p. 1).

In examining the values and facts linked to pornography, as well as the potential for underlying harm, it is imperative to consider the history of censorship. Several possible reasons exist for why individuals support or oppose pornography. History reveals, however, that people's viewpoints are determined largely by personal values and views rather than by facts. Censorship is considered a necessity by certain individuals who wish to ban or regulate content so that those deemed "vulnerable" or "weak" are protected from the negative influences of exposure to "indecent" material. For some, the need for censorship arises from a sense of collective duty to protect society in general (Hult, Schmedes, and Johansen, p. 1).

For fully understanding what facts can contribute to this discussion — while grounding ethics in a philosophical stance — psychology is a vital resource. It can offer the proof required for substantiating theoretical premises. Concerning ethics and pornography, an individual may hold either a negative or a positive psychological orientation toward the subject. The same can be said of the anti-pornography standpoint. Various religious groups, feminist scholars, and proponents of alternative stances may each possess psychological premises that advocate their respective positions. This may result from an individual's habitus when engaging with the issue of pornography. Upon identifying a potential psychological orientation — whether orderly or disordered — evidential reflection can be employed when analyzing the ethical dimensions of pornography, both positive and negative. Such reflection allows facts to form the foundation of ethical considerations (Hult, Schmedes, and Johansen, p. 1).

A moral responsibility — broadly understood as "ethics" — exists within any systematic social order. Together with this obligation, one must also consider moral judgments and concepts that define or differentiate ethical and moral values, which carry alternate meanings across different social orders. With regard to pornography, for example, pro-pornography theorists may defend the moral right to acquire and exercise pornography at one's free will. Meanwhile, anti-pornography scholars may argue that, because pornography is harmful, it ought to be eliminated from contemporary society, given that its outcomes can result in unjust actions and criminal offenses (Hult, Schmedes, and Johansen, p. 1).

Best Resolution to the Ethical Dilemma

With respect to the concept of pornography, one means of resolving the ethical dilemma would be to restrict it when the act is reproduced in ways that cause potential harm to others in any form. Such harms may include infringement of free speech rights, and mental or physical abuse suffered by pornography consumers or participants during sexual activity — including activity regarded as "aggressive" or "rough," as well as the issue of "sexual domination" from both male and female perspectives. Nevertheless, liberal individuals may also view pornography as encompassing certain principles that, though potentially harmful to some, carry artistic and educational merit (Altman, 2007, p. 225).

Altman, in his argument in favor of exercising pornography rights in contemporary society, presents the example of contraception and the equal right to manufacture it. The implication is that society consents to individuals' rights of choice with regard to sexual conduct, behavior, and family planning. However, the same reasoning cannot be straightforwardly applied to sexually explicit content such as pornography, owing to its distinct nature and the outcomes it may or may not yield. Liberal groups therefore attempt to maintain the right to access pornography on the grounds that — like the freedom to use contraceptives — pornography represents a choice that may be exercised at a person's free will.

Aristotle's Virtue Ethics, which lends some support to this position, comprises two key parts. First, Aristotle contends that one's personal "flourishing" or happiness must be the ultimate end we promote. Second, he argues that one ought to cultivate habits and behaviors that will result in one's personal happiness — that is, having the right feelings and habits is virtuous. One can learn which behaviors produce happiness from one's prior experiences and by developing perceptiveness about the particularities of different situations. For instance, one generally knows not to attack others, yet defending oneself may be essential in certain circumstances. Aristotle's concept of "happiness" differs from mere pleasure; it means something closer to "flourishing" or "living well." Furthermore, some of our goals may be morally justified according to Aristotle, provided they do not conflict with genuine happiness. Broadly speaking, virtue, pleasure, and knowledge all appear to be worthwhile goals, even if they do not necessarily generate happiness in every instance (Gray, 2010, p. 1).

Aristotelians ask whether an action is sensitive to a situation and whether it brings about personal happiness in order to determine if any thought, belief, or act is morally acceptable. If the answer to both questions is "yes," the action is considered morally correct.

Conclusion

Although a solution has been put forward for this issue, it will continue to be contested by groups opposed to pornography production; it remains, in that sense, a moot point. Until any conclusive decision is made with regard to pornography's immorality, no decisive steps can be taken toward either its suppression or its unrestricted free expression.

Altman, Andrew. "The Right to Get Turned On: Pornography, Autonomy, Equality." In Contemporary Debates in Applied Ethics, edited by Andrew I. Cohen and Christopher Heath Wellman. Blackwell, 2007.

Brison, Susan J. "The Price We Pay? Pornography and Harm." In Contemporary Debates in Applied Ethics, edited by Andrew I. Cohen and Christopher Heath Wellman. Blackwell, 2007.

Gray, J. W. Moral Theories (Normative Theories of Ethics). August 20, 2010.

Hult, Nicole Alicia-Marie, et al. The Ethics of Pornography and Its Impact on the Individual. 2011.

Olen, J., and V. Barry. Applying Ethics. 5th ed. California: Wadsworth Publishing Co., 1997.