Sexuality and Sexual Philosophy
A Comprehensive Thesis
The philosophy of sexuality, like the philosophy of science, art or law, is the
study of the concepts and propositions surrounding its central protagonist, in
this case `sex\'. Its practitioners focus on conceptual, metaphysical and
normative questions.
Conceptual philosophy of sex analyses the notions of sexual desire, sexual
activity and sexual pleasure. What makes a feeling a sexual sensation?
Manipulation of and feelings in the genitals are not necessary, since other
body parts yield sexual pleasure. What makes an act sexual? A touch on the arm
might be a friendly pat, an assault, or sex; physical properties alone do not
distinguish them. What is the conceptual link between sexual pleasure and sexual
activity? Neither the intention to produce sexual pleasure nor the actual
experience of pleasure seems necessary for an act to be sexual. Other
conceptual questions have to do not with what makes an act sexual, but with
what makes it the type of sexual act it is. How should `rape\' be defined? What
the conceptual differences are, if any, between obtaining sex through physical
force and obtaining it by offering money is an interesting and important issue.
Metaphysical philosophy of sex discusses ontological and epistemological
matters: the place of sexuality in human nature; the relationships among
sexuality, emotion and cognition; the meaning of sexuality for the person, the
species, the cosmos. What is sex all about, anyway? That sexual desire is a hormone-driven
instinct implanted by a god or nature acting in the service of the species, and
that it has a profound spiritual dimension, are two -- not necessarily
incompatible -- views. Perhaps the significance of sexuality is little
different from that of eating, breathing and defecating; maybe, or in addition,
sexuality is partially constitutive of moral personality.
Normative philosophy of sex explores the perennial questions of sexual ethics.
In what circumstances is it morally permissible to engage in sexual activity or
experience sexual pleasure? With whom? For what purpose? With which body parts?
For how long? The historically central answers come from Thomist natural law,
Kantian deontology, and utilitarianism. Normative philosophy of sex also addresses
legal, social and political issues. Should society steer people in the
direction of heterosexuality, marriage, family? May the law regulate sexual
conduct by prohibiting prostitution or homosexuality? Normative philosophy of
sex includes nonethical value questions as well. What is good sex? What is its
contribution to the good life?
