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The Thomistic Institute

A Thomistic Account Of Ethics Of Assisted Reproductive Technologies I Professor Matthew Dugandzic

Dec 1, 2023
Professor Matthew Dugandzic, theology faculty member, explores Aquinas' perspective on sexual ethics and the societal implications of irresponsible use of sexual faculties. He discusses the ethical considerations in assisted reproductive technologies, genetics, culture, and human development. The chapter concludes with an exploration of the ethical concerns of surrogacy and parental responsibilities.
36:04

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Quick takeaways

  • Aquinas emphasizes that sexual faculties have social and political significance, existing not for private ends but for the well-being of society, forming the basis of Catholic sexual ethics.
  • ART, such as artificial insemination and surrogacy, raises concerns as it separates procreation from the sexual act and disrupts the natural purpose of sex, denying children knowledge of their biological forebears and commodifying a woman's body.

Deep dives

Importance of Sexual Dimorphism in Reproduction

Aquinas argues that human beings are a sexually dimorphic species, with men and women having distinct anatomical and physiological features for reproduction. He emphasizes that sexual faculties have social and political significance, existing not for private ends but for the well-being of society. Aquinas maintains that sex should only occur within the context of marriage, where children can be loved, cared for, and provided for. This perspective forms the basis of Catholic sexual ethics.

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