PHIL 335: The Philosophy of Sex

Course Description

An examination of recent philosophical views of human sexual desire and sexual activity. Questions to be addressed include: what makes a desire, activity, or pleasure sexual? How should we understand the distinction between “natural” and “unnatural” sexual activities? What constitutes consent, and how does consent relate to the moral status of sexual activities? What is sexual objectification, and what should its moral status be? What are gender and sexual orientation, and in what ways, if any, are they related? In the end, should we be pessimistic or optimistic about human sexuality? Cross-listed: PHIL 335/WG STDS 335. Prerequisite: One prior Philosophy course, or Junior standing, or instructor consent.