The cognitive approach to metaethics takes an objective view of right and wrong, good and bad. The approach is purely factual and with reasons to back up the judgment on various ethical beliefs and statements. Cognitive debates do not rely on opinions and preferences but real issues. 1 The metaethical cognitive perspective of sexuality is based on the factual perception of gender and sexual events. The beginning of objectivist sexuality is the study and differentiation of man and woman, which forms the definition of gender. Objective definition and characterization of masculinity and femininity can then be made from gender differentiation. This characterization is the most important aspect of sexuality as it defines gender roles, romance, dating, and sexual arousal.
The objectivist perception of gender roles revolves around conceptions of femininity and masculinity. Man is perceived to be the highest epitome of humanity, while the role of the woman is hero-worship. Objectivism stipulates that the woman is designed to look up to the man for protection and providence. However, the dominance of man over woman is dependent on the man’s worth relative to the woman’s, i.e., a woman is inclined to accept man’s dominance over her only if the man is worthy of ruling her. The cognitive approach points out that man’s essence of masculinity is experienced in the acts of dominance, while the essence of femininity is experienced in the acts of submission and surrender. 2
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Sexual attraction is determined by the embodiment of one’s values. People tend to be attracted to those with whom they find a shared value. Those people with base values are sexually attracted to similar base values while shunning those with seemingly unworthy values. Similarly, those of high standards are more attracted to others of high standards. People find sexual attractiveness in purpose, intent, and meaning. Lack of purpose renders sexual interests and attraction meaningless. Sexual attractions culminate in romance and dating. Sexual relationships often begin with simple interactions during which the involved parties evaluate the values of each other. The intensity of the relationship is fuelled by the similarities in values and shared interests. Sexual attractions may lead to short-lived affairs or long-term relationship. Romance and dating define a large part of the human sexuality. In the human existence, romantic love is regarded as a union of two individuals who consciously value each other, and is usually highly celebrated.
This approach infers that thoughts influence sexual feelings, and eventually the person’s sexuality. Sexual responses are as a result of stimulation or the failure to stimulate the most erogenous sex organ, which in this case is the brain. Cognitivists assert that a stimulus perceived by the brain can either inhibit or augment a sexual response and on a broader scale influence a person’s sexuality. For a stimulus to cause sexual arousal, it has to be detected, labeled, and attributed by the mind. Failure to detect the stimuli, improper labeling or misattribution of the stimuli suppresses sexual arousal. It is perceived that sexual arousal and performance are important markers of the viability of a person’s sexuality. 3
The cognitive approach to sexuality is hinged on the facts pertaining to gender, sexual attraction, and sexual arousal. These components of sexuality are similar to different communities of humankind. The roles of men and women in society, for example, cut across different parts of the society. It is common practice that men assert their dominance over women, while women are inclined to submit to men. The universality of these approaches to sexuality is objective as they do not insinuate opinion or preferences.
References
Aron, E. N., & Aron, A. (2014). Love and sexuality. In Sexuality in close relationships (pp. 41-64). Psychology Press.
Magni, S. F. (2017). Objectivity And Moral Relativism.
Newman, M. (2015). A realist sexual ethics. Ratio , 28 (2), 223-240.
1 Magni, S. F. (2017). Objectivity And Moral Relativism.
2 Aron, E. N., & Aron, A. (2014). Love and sexuality. In Sexuality in close relationships (pp. 41-64). Psychology Press.
3 Newman, M. (2015). A realist sexual ethics. Ratio , 28 (2), 223-240.
