Buying and Purchasing Sex: The Philosophy of Prostitution

Jeanne Proust at Living Room

Tue, Nov 12 at 7:30 p.m. | 90 minutes

In this Olio, we will explore different arguments and moral feelings that have been conveyed by philosophers around the topic of prostitution.

Prostitution has always been believed by the majority of people, including the ones who take part in it, to be extremely harmful. Let’s try to put our prejudices aside, and explore the nature of this belief, and its consequences on prostitution itself. Why is prostitution so often morally condemned?

One of the main arguments against prostitution is that sex should have to do with something sacred, intimate. But is it morally unacceptable to have casual sex for the mere sake of pleasure, without long-term commitments and emotional attachments? Does the money aspect bring something else into the equation?

In this Olio, we will explore different arguments that have been conveyed by philosophers both in favor of an abolitionist view, and in favor of a legalizing and/or decriminalizing view, while trying to closely explore our moral feelings about the commodification of sex.

*This Olio will take place in a Prospect Height's Living Room. Address will be sent upon RSVP*

Teacher: Jeanne Proust

Jeanne Proust's research focuses on Théodule Ribot’s Diseases of the Will, both in philosophical and psychological perspectives. While teaching at different universities here in New York, Jeanne is advocating for a widening of philosophical education beyond the academic frontiers.

Venue: Living Room

What is Think Olio?

Think Olio is here to put the liberation back into the liberal arts.

Classically, the liberal arts, were the education considered essential for a free person to take an active part in civic life. To counter a humanities that has been institutionalized and dehumanized we infuse critical thinking, openness, playfulness, and compassion into our learning experience.

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