The term "sexual attraction" refers to a powerful emotional pull towards another person that is associated with a strong desire to have physical contact or close relationship with them. While it can be a natural part of human nature, it also carries significant moral implications that must be considered when making judgments, remaining objective, and being fair. In this article, we will explore how sexual attraction impacts ethical judgment, objectivity, and procedural fairness.
Sexual attraction can lead to unethical behavior and decisions due to its potential to cloud one's moral judgment. When an individual experiences intense feelings of infatuation or lust for someone else, they may be more likely to act on those desires without considering the consequences of their actions. This can result in harmful behaviors such as cheating, manipulation, exploitation, and even violence.
Sexual attraction can cause individuals to ignore or rationalize unethical behavior if they believe it will result in a positive outcome or benefit for themselves.
A business executive who feels sexually attracted to a colleague may offer them preferential treatment in exchange for intimacy.
Sexual attraction can also affect an individual's ability to remain objective and impartial when making important decisions. When a decision-maker is emotionally invested in a particular outcome or favors a specific party involved, their judgment may become biased. This can occur when the decision-maker has a romantic interest in someone or believes that the success of a project depends on their personal relationship with another party. The result is often unfair treatment of others and a lack of consideration for alternative perspectives.
Sexual attraction can create obstacles to achieving procedural fairness in various situations.
During hiring processes, candidates may be chosen based on physical appearance rather than qualifications or work experience. Similarly, during legal proceedings, juries may be swayed by emotional appeals instead of evidence presented. In both cases, this can lead to unequal outcomes and the denial of justice for some parties.
While sexual attraction is a natural part of human nature, it carries serious moral implications that must be addressed. Individuals should strive to maintain objectivity, ethical judgement, and procedural fairness despite feelings of infatuation or lust towards someone else.
What are the consequences of sexual attraction for ethical judgment, objectivity, and procedural fairness?
Sexual attraction can have significant consequences on ethical judgment, objectivity, and procedural fairness. Studies suggest that individuals who experience sexual attraction may be more likely to engage in biased behavior towards individuals they find attractive (Harris et al. , 2019).