Philosophy and Sex: Adultery - Monogamy - Feminism - Rape - Same-sex Marriage - Abortion - Promiscuity - Perversion

by Robert B. Baker, Kathleen J. Wininger (Editor), Frederick A. Elliston (Editor)

This classic sourcebook, which has for three decades helped thousands rethink their views of ethics and human sexuality, is all new and totally revised for the challenges of the 21st century.Featuring essays on adultery, monogamy, perversion, homosexuality, pederasty, sex without love, sexual equality and more, Philosophy and Sex retains its uniqueness and accessibility without compromising quality and versatility. New to this fourth edition are essays on the legalization of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts and in South Africa (including a piece on homosexuality and Apartheid by Desmond Tutu), the historical stigmatization of unmarried women ("On Spinsters"), intersexuality, female sexuality and the Vagina Monologues, male and female circumcision, and much more.

Genres: Philosophy, Sexuality

519 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1984

Reviews

[Sarah Jensen]

Book Review: Philosophy and Sex edited by Robert B. Baker

Overview

Philosophy and Sex is a thought-provoking anthology edited by Robert B. Baker that delves into the complex interplay between sexuality and ethical philosophy. This collection of essays addresses a wide array of topics, including adultery, monogamy, feminism, rape, same-sex marriage, abortion, promiscuity, and perversion. Each contribution offers unique insights, encouraging readers to critically engage with the moral dimensions surrounding sex and relationships in contemporary society.

Content and Themes

The essays within this volume are written by various scholars, each offering their perspectives on contentious issues that shape our understanding of sexuality today. The themes explored include:

Sexual Morality: The authors examine ethical questions that surround sexual practices and relationships, challenging traditional notions of morality and advocating for nuanced viewpoints on issues like adultery and promiscuity.

Feminism and Sexuality: Several essays address the feminist perspective on sexuality, critiquing patriarchal structures that influence sexual norms and advocating for sexual equality. The discussions often highlight the relationship between gender and sexual autonomy.

Consent and Rape: The anthology does not shy away from the darker aspects of sexuality, exploring the philosophy of consent and the moral implications of sexual violence. These discussions are crucial for understanding the ethical responsibilities of individuals in sexual interactions.

Same-Sex Marriage and LGBTQ+ Rights: The book tackles the evolving discourse surrounding same-sex marriage, analyzing its implications within the wider context of human rights and equality. This section emphasizes the importance of recognizing diverse sexual identities.

Complexities of Sexual Relationships: The collection encourages readers to think critically about the nature of monogamy, polyamory, and the societal pressures that shape our views on committed relationships.

Writing Style

The essays in Philosophy and Sex are scholarly yet accessible, striking a balance that invites both philosophical discourse and layperson engagement. Each piece is well-researched, often incorporating philosophical theories alongside contemporary examples, making the content relevant and relatable. The varied writing styles of different authors enrich the anthology, offering a diversity of voices and perspectives.

Conclusion

Philosophy and Sex is an essential read for anyone interested in the ethical dimensions of sexuality. Robert B. Baker has curated a compelling collection that not only engages with important moral questions but also challenges readers to reconsider their own beliefs about sex and relationships. This anthology serves as a valuable resource for students of philosophy, gender studies, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities of human sexuality. Through its insightful essays, the book advocates for a more informed and compassionate dialogue surrounding sex in modern society.

[Christy Hammer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book even if close to two decades later it's categories (chapter topics) although clearly conceived of as "constructed" and thus somewhat arbitrary, have broken down a bit more now in these modern days where we like to think we've transgressed the "gender binary" and are all "gender neutral" and/or post-gender. I can't be objective, though, since this is co-edited (not shown above!) with Baker by Kathleen Wininger, a brilliant and fun colleague of mine at the University of Southern Maine. I still think it teaches us about girls and boys and sex and gender with philosophical arguments in critiques of topics including sex without love, sexual equality, monotony (opps - of course I meant monogamy! :-), promiscuity, abortion, and same-sex marriage.

[Albie]

Philosophy and Sex (1998)

[Peter]

Mixed reaction so far - the feminist interpretations of love at the beginning of the book are pathetically outdated and quite irritating.

[Jameel]

Jen, I hope you didn't have need of it, or found the knowledge elsewhere. I'm sorry for not returning it. Like the plums in the icebox, it was delicious.

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great and thought provoking articles. I particularly enjoyed "pricks and chicks: a plea for persons", "patriarchal sex", and "men in groups".