Question 1

The ________ view rejects same-sex marriage because it is contrary to the divinely mandated aim of procreation.

Accepted Answer

The Roman Catholic view holds that marriage is a sacrament that exists primarily for procreation and the union of spouses in love. Therefore, same-sex marriage is rejected because it cannot fulfill the divinely mandated aim of procreation.

Question 2

The marriage,in the full legal sense,of gay and lesbian couples is referred to as:

Accepted Answer

The term used to refer to the marriage of gay and lesbian couples is "same-sex marriage." Option A is incorrect as it implies that the marriage is illegal, which is not necessarily the case in all countries. Option B is incorrect as it refers to a marriage between a man and a woman. Option D is incorrect as it uses a negative term to refer to the marriage, which is inappropriate and disrespectful.

Question 3

In 2014,the percentage of the population that thought the marriage of gay and lesbian couples should be legal was:

Accepted Answer

According to Pew Research Center's survey conducted in 2014, 55% of the population in the US believed that the marriage of gay and lesbian couples should be legal. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

Question 4

In 2012,about ________ percent of American adults identified themselves as lesbian,gay,or bisexual.

Accepted Answer

In 2012, a study by the Williams Institute estimated that approximately 3.5% of American adults identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual.

Question 5

Proponents of same-sex marriage argue that:

Accepted Answer

Proponents of same-sex marriage argue that it is a matter of justice and equality. They believe that all people should have equal rights and opportunities, regardless of their sexual orientation. Permitting same-sex marriage would provide same-sex couples with the same legal rights and protections as heterosexual couples, which they argue is fair and just. The other options (B, C, and D) are not supported by evidence and are commonly used as arguments against same-sex marriage without basis.

Question 6

Some argue for same-sex marriage in this Kantian way: to violate people's right to equal treatment and equal opportunity is to treat them merely as a means-to regard them as less than persons with full moral rights.Outlawing same-sex marriage denies gays and lesbians the equal treatment and opportunity they are due.A natural law theorist might reply that:

Accepted Answer

A natural law theorist might argue that the rights to equal treatment and equal opportunity are limited by moral or natural laws, and in this case, they might believe that these rights are being extended beyond what is naturally or morally justified.

Question 7

On the question of same-sex marriage,religious denominations:

Accepted Answer

Religious denominations are divided in their views on same-sex marriage. Some denominations are in favor of it, while others oppose it. Some denominations have taken no formal position on the issue. The views on same-sex marriage often vary even within a single religious denomination, and there is ongoing debate and discussion among religious leaders and members on this topic.

Question 8

If Kant defended same-sex marriage,he would probably do so based on:

Accepted Answer

Kant is known for his ethical philosophy that places great importance on respecting persons and their autonomy. Therefore, it is likely that he would support same-sex marriage as a manifestation of individuals' ability to make their own choices and exercise their own autonomy in matters of love and partnership. Kant would not base his argument on social consequences or Christian scripture and would not consider the dictates of nature relevant to the debate.

Question 9

Maggie Gallagher says that the problem with endorsing gay marriage is that it would:

Accepted Answer

Maggie Gallagher argues that endorsing gay marriage would require society to change the central presumptions about family that are inherent in marriage. This could mean gutting marriage of its traditional understanding as being between a man and a woman, and making it into something that is not centered on procreation or the union of complementary sexes. Therefore, B is the best choice.

Question 10

Many critics of same-sex marriage say that the practice is contrary to tradition.If you were a proponent of same-sex marriage,you might respond to the critics by asserting that:

Accepted Answer

Just because something is traditional does not make it morally acceptable. Slavery, for example, was a long-standing tradition, yet it is not considered morally acceptable. Therefore, tradition alone is not a sufficient argument against same-sex marriage.

Question 11

If you were a natural law theorist,you might say that sexual encounters:

Accepted Answer

Natural law theory holds that sexual encounters involve the commingling of persons' spiritual and moral selves, and therefore have a larger moral meaning beyond just physical events. This view upholds that sexual encounters are not merely good or bad in themselves, but depend on their alignment with an objective moral reality.

Question 12

One reason to doubt that procreation is the essential function of marriage is that:

Accepted Answer

Our civil marriage laws do not require procreation or fertility to be a necessary part of marriage, indicating that marriage can have a purpose beyond procreation. The other options are not strong reasons to doubt that procreation is the essential function of marriage.

Question 13

Some argue that it's not possible to change established traditions without risking destruction of society's systems,so we should leave the tradition of marriage alone.A plausible reply to this line is that:

Accepted Answer

This argument is flawed in assuming that social progress and reform cannot occur without risking the destruction of traditional systems. This essentially suggests that any form of change is inherently negative and should be avoided at all costs, which is an impractical and unrealistic stance. This line of thinking would have prevented important social reforms from taking place throughout history, such as the abolition of slavery, women's suffrage, and civil rights. It is important to reconsider established traditions and reform them if they are detrimental or discriminatory, while also balancing the potential consequences and carefully implementing changes.

Question 14

Suppose the empirical facts are that same-sex marriage makes many gay couples happy,strengthens the institution of marriage,and benefits society while causing few if any social or economic problems.A utilitarian then would likely judge same-sex marriage to be ________;a natural law theorist would probably judge it to be ________.

Accepted Answer

A utilitarian would judge same-sex marriage to be permissible because it brings happiness, strengthens the institution of marriage, and benefits society with no significant harm. On the other hand, a natural law theorist would judge it to be impermissible because the theory holds homosexuality as contrary to nature, and thus, same-sex marriage would be seen as violating natural law.

Question 15

The split in Conservative Judaism over same-sex marriage shows that:

Accepted Answer

The split in Conservative Judaism over same-sex marriage shows that even within a religious community, individuals can have differing opinions based on their principles and beliefs. This highlights the importance of respecting different perspectives and engaging in constructive dialogue. Option B and C are false premises, and option D is too simplistic.

Question 16

Some traditionalists argue against same-sex marriage by appealing to the essence or real meaning of marriage.To them,the true purpose and meaning of marriage is:

Accepted Answer

Traditionalists argue that the true purpose and meaning of marriage is procreation and childrearing, which can only be achieved through heterosexual relationships. They believe that allowing same-sex marriage undermines the essential nature of marriage as a union between a man and a woman for the purpose of having and raising children.

Question 17

If someone says,"Marriage is morally acceptable only between one man and one woman," he/she is expressing a ________ view.

Accepted Answer

The statement suggests a traditional or conservative view of marriage, and thus the correct answer is conventional. Liberal views generally support the idea of diversity and individual rights, utilitarian views focus on maximizing overall happiness, and moderate views imply a middle ground between more extreme positions.

Question 18

Some argue that same-sex marriage would foster social cohesion,emotional security,and economic prudence.This way of thinking is clearly:

Accepted Answer

The idea that legalizing same-sex marriage would bring about social cohesion, emotional security, and economic prudence is consistent with a utilitarian perspective. Utilitarianism is a moral philosophy that emphasizes the greatest good for the greatest number of people. In this case, legalizing same-sex marriage is seen as beneficial for society as a whole, as it would increase happiness and well-being for many individuals.

Question 19

The law that forbade the federal government to recognize same-sex marriages and denies federal benefits to gay and lesbian marriages is called the:

Accepted Answer

This law was enacted in 1996 and defined marriage as a legal union between one man and one woman. It also denied federal benefits to same-sex couples who were legally married in states that recognized their unions. The law was ultimately declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 2013 in United States v. Windsor.

Question 20

Some argue against same-sex marriage by appealing to the benefits to society of preserving long-standing customs and traditions.The tradition of marriage is one such tradition,once established as an institution joining male and female only.A plausible reply to this view is that:

Accepted Answer

Not all traditions are inherently valuable or beneficial. Some traditions, such as segregation or oppression of certain groups, are harmful and need to be changed. The tradition of only recognizing marriage between a man and a woman may be seen as discriminatory towards same-sex couples and infringing upon their rights. Therefore, the argument of preserving tradition cannot be used to justify denying same-sex couples the right to marry.

Quiz 14: Same-Sex Marriage