Philosophy of Sex

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• the key features of the theories of the nature of human sexuality covered by the module, the core arguments for each view and the key objections.
• the topics in the ethics of sexual behaviour covered by the module (such as monogamy, homosexuality and paedophilia). You will be able to describe and assess the possible positions that might be taken on each issue, the core arguments for each view and the key objections.
• how to relate these issues to issues in other areas of philosophy that you have studied, such as Ethics or Feminism.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• convey ideas concisely and clearly .
• take notes from talks and written materials.
• undertake, with adequate supervision, independent work, including identifying and using appropriate resources.
• think independently and support your views with arguments.
• work effectively to deadlines.

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• express and debate ideas in writing, in an open minded and rigorous way.
• examine critically and dispassionately views which can appear provocative and contentious.
• interpret, synthesise and criticise complex texts and positions.
• present views and arguments in a clear and engaging fashion.

The syllabus may vary from year to year. Topics might include:

• Theories of the nature of sex:

Can we pick out necessary and sufficient conditions for an act to count as sexual? What are the ethical implications of different ways of understanding sex?

• The ethics of sexual behaviour

We often choose a small selection of concrete issues or situations which raise issues of sexual ethics. Topics covered in the past have included: monogamy and polyamory, the ethics of prostitution and pornography and sexual objectification.

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include

• Lectures
• In-class discussion
• One-on-one consultation with module co-ordinator

Learning activities include

• Attending classes
• Contribution to class discussion
• Doing independent research for and writing assessed work

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Robert B. Baker, Kathleen Wininger and Frederick A. Elliston. Philosophy and Sex. Prometheus Books.

Igor Primoratz (1999). Ethics and Sex. Routledge.

Alan Soble. The Philosophy of Sex: Contemporary Readings. Rowman & Littlefield.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External