Love and Lust: A Philosophical Assessment of the Morality of Watching Pornography in Romantic Relationships through Aristotle’s Concept of Rationality and Virtue Ethics

Proponent/s Name/s (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Missy Gabrielle Magtibay Dimayuga, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
Kaisser Brent Sanchez Eufemio, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
Annika Almhyr B. Rivera, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
Aiyana Chantel Go Tuvilla, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
Maria Karla Ysabelle Ticzon Vesorio, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow

Document Types

Paper Presentation

School Name

De La Salle University, Manila

Track or Strand

Humanities and Social Science (HUMSS)

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Weill, Naoemi Mika Ella D.

Start Date

23-6-2025 3:30 PM

End Date

23-6-2025 5:00 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

Y501

Abstract/Executive Summary

This study examines the moral acceptability of watching pornography while being in a romantic relationship. It explores the role of consent and intent in determining whether the aforementioned act is morally acceptable or morally unacceptable. Using Aristotle’s Function of Rationality and his Virtue Ethics, the study establishes that the moral acceptability of pornography consumption is subjective, and its acceptability is not dictated by a universal and unconditional moral rule, but is rather dictated by the perspective, situation, and dynamic of the individuals in a relationship themselves. The study argues that the act may be morally acceptable given that there is mutual consent between the partners, and establishes that the intent behind consuming pornography also plays a crucial role in determining its moral acceptability. Furthermore, the discussion weighs the individual autonomy within a relationship, addressing whether individual freedom outweighs the potential harm of doing the act to a relationship. It is argued that these factors’ impact on a relationship’s fundamental aspects would determine its moral acceptability. To address these complexities, the study recommends establishing a healthy and open communication between partners to clearly establish boundaries and practice self-awareness in one’s decision-making. This is to ensure that actions align with both personal values and relationship expectations in order to maintain trust and respect between partners.

Keywords

morality; phronesis; pornography; relationships; sexual ethics

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Theoretical, Philosophical, and Historical Studies (TPH)

Initial Consent for Publication

yes

Statement of Originality

yes