Word: mansfield
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...also took a while for Mansfield to address his theory of natural law. When he finally did begin, he was interrupted by Sandel. Mansfield's argument--as far as he was able to articulate it--was that nature provides an ideal, not an individualized set of behavioral prescriptions; this is in sharp contrast to Sullivan's notion that because he is by nature homosexual, his conduct is acceptable under natural law. Non-procreative sex, masturbation, pre-marital sex and homosexuality are all distant from Mansfield's ideal and thus "imperfect." Homosexuality is even further from the ideal of natural...
...Mansfield's arguments are rational and are grounded in sound philosophical thought; anyone who doubted that before should now be clear on this point. I do not yet know whether I agree with his reasoning, but my impression is that few at the debate even gave them serious consideration...
...debate, between Kenan Professor of Government Harvey C. Mansfield Jr. '53 and New Republic editor Andrew Sullivan, was held in Professor of Government Michael J. Sandel's "Justice," Moral Reasoning...
Sullivan, arguing Mansfield "on his own terms," said homosexuality is moral because it is natural for some human beings...
...Mansfield, on the other hand, argued that homosexuality is immoral since gays cannot use sex as a means to procreation. He said homosexuality should be restricted through the mechanism of shame...