Of Maybugs and Men: A History and Philosophy of the Sciences of Homosexuality

This book explores the history and philosophy of scientific research into male homosexuality, revealing how individual and societal values have shaped our understanding of the topic. It discusses the concept of homosexuality's naturalness, considering findings from various sciences and the impact of these studies on attitudes towards homosexuality.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 08 November 2022
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

A comprehensive exploration of the historical and philosophical foundations of scientific research into male homosexuality is presented in this text. The examination of the naturalness or unnaturalness of homosexuality has a rich and complex history, often serving as a basis for discrimination and marginalization against individuals and communities identified as LGBTQ+. Over the past two centuries, a multitude of scientific disciplines have engaged in this debate, introducing new vocabularies, theories, arguments, and data that have contributed to a shift in attitudes towards homosexuality, moving towards tolerance and acceptance.

In this book, philosophers Pieter R. Adriaens and Andreas De Block delve into the history and philosophy of the gay sciences, shedding light on how individual and societal values have shaped our understanding of homosexuality. The authors examine the intricate interplay between facts and values in studies of male homosexuality across various natural and human sciences, assessing the extent to which science has either mitigated or reinforced homonegative attitudes and norms.

The central focus of the book is on the notion of homosexuality's assumed naturalness. Geneticists have rephrased naturalness as innateness, asserting that homosexuality is innate, or that individuals are born with a predisposition to homosexuality. Zoologists have documented the existence of homosexuality in a wide range of animal species, from maybugs to humans, viewing it as a natural phenomenon. Evolutionists have presented homosexuality as the product of natural selection, suggesting that it may have evolved as an adaptation to certain environmental conditions. Psychiatrists, initially pathologizing homosexuality, later embraced its naturalness or innateness as a means to normalize it within society.

Drawing upon findings from a diverse array of sciences, including comparative zoology, psychiatry, anthropology, evolutionary biology, social psychology, developmental biology, and machine learning, this book offers essential insights into what science has to say about homosexuality. It serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the scientific perspectives on this topic, shedding light on the complexities and nuances of human sexuality and gender identity.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226822440
Edition number: 1