PHL243H1 Lecture 3: Lecture 3.docx
Document Summary
The natural function of sex is procreation, so any other use of sex is a misuse and a sin. One could justify this by saying that other uses of sexual organs might impede the organ"s primary function. But this argument fails if it can be shown that other types of functions can enhance the primary function. Other uses of sexual organs should also be neutral and facilitate other ends. If aquinas" first premise is that no organ has more than one natural function, this is quite arbitrary. It is easy to determine the function of artifacts because you can look to the intentions of the manufacturer. The function of something is what it"s meant to do. But if there was no intention behind its creation, this argument falls apart. For aquinas, god is the intentional form of nature. Aristotle came up with the idea that there are inherent teleological purposes in nature itself that extends beyond organisms.
