Episode Details

This lecture discusses key ideas from the Utilitarian philosopher, Jeremy Bentham's work, Offenses Against Oneself, a posthumously published part of his Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation. Here we examine some of the common reasons people give in his times and society for prohibiting or punishing male-male sexual relationships and activity. He considers first whether there is any harm caused, then whether it is an "offense against the peace" in any manner, and then whether male-male sexual activity is "enervating" that is, weakening to those who engage in it. To support my ongoing work, go to my Patreon site - www.patreon.com/sadler If you'd like to make a direct contribution, you can do so here - www.paypal.me/ReasonIO - or at BuyMeACoffee - www.buymeacoffee.com/A4quYdWoM You can find over 1500 philosophy videos in my main YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/user/gbisadler Purchase Bentham's Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation -amzn.to/2Z470Bq