Sexual Ethics in a Secular Age: Is There Still a Virtue of Chastity?

The essays in this collection explore the value of chastity in a contemporary secular context, challenging the notion that it is an outdated ideal with few secular benefits. They suggest that a recovered and reconceptualized concept of chastity can offer solutions to problems such as sexual harassment, divorce rates, and pornography use. The book appeals to researchers and advanced students in the philosophy of sex and love, virtue ethics, and philosophical accounts of secularity.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 244 pages
\n Publication date: 31 March 2021
\n Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
\n

The concept of chastity has undergone a significant transformation over the past half-century. Traditionally, it was seen as an essential personal disposition that aimed to guide sexual desire in a way that was beneficial for both oneself and others affected by one's actions. However, in recent years, chastity has been increasingly portrayed as an outdated ideal with limited secular benefits. It has even been described as an odd form of religious asceticism that offers few practical advantages.

The essays in this volume explore the possibility of reconsidering a contemporary virtue of chastity. By reclaiming and reimagining this concept, it is argued that it can provide partial solutions to various problems associated with externalized sexual desire. These problems include the prevalence of sexual harassment, the high rates of divorce and relationship failure, and the widespread consumption of pornography.

One of the key arguments put forth in the essays is that a recovered and reconceptualized concept of chastity can help individuals develop a more nuanced and responsible approach to sexual desire. It can encourage individuals to prioritize their own well-being and the well-being of their partners, rather than seeking gratification solely through external sexual encounters. This, in turn, can lead to healthier relationships and a reduction in the negative consequences associated with sexual behavior.

Furthermore, a reconceptualized concept of chastity can also contribute to a broader understanding of secularity. It can challenge the notion that sexual desire and expression are solely religious or moral issues and recognize that they are deeply intertwined with broader social and cultural norms. By exploring the ethical implications of sexual behavior in a secular context, the essays in this volume offer a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the role of religion and morality in contemporary society.

In conclusion, Sexual Ethics in a Secular Age provides a thought-provoking exploration of the value of a contemporary virtue of chastity. By challenging traditional perspectives and reimagining this concept, the essays in this volume offer valuable insights into the ethical and philosophical dimensions of sexual desire and behavior. This book will appeal to researchers and advanced students interested in the philosophy of sex and love, virtue ethics, and philosophical accounts of secularity.

\n Weight: 520g\n
Dimension: 158 x 236 x 21 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780367522674\n \n