ABSTRACT

First published in 1985. Marriage and Morals won Bertrand Russell the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1950. With his customary wit and clarity, Russell explores the changing role of marriage, the codes of sexual ethics and the question of population. By what codes should we live our sexual lives? Every aspect, from the origin of marriage to the values of a healthy sex life, from the influence of religion, psychoanalysis and taboos to the possibilities of eugenics, receives the incisive scrutiny of Russell’s intellect. Here is the Passionate Sceptic at his most vigorous.

chapter 1|7 pages

Introduction

chapter 2|7 pages

Matrilineal Societies

chapter 3|5 pages

Patriarchal Systems

chapter 4|7 pages

Phallic Worship, Asceticism and Sin

chapter 5|12 pages

Christian Ethics

chapter 6|10 pages

Romantic Love

chapter 7|9 pages

The Liberation of Women

chapter 8|15 pages

The Taboo on Sex Knowledge

chapter 9|7 pages

The Place of Love in Human Life

chapter 10|9 pages

Marriage

chapter 11|7 pages

Prostitution

chapter 12|7 pages

Trial Marriage

chapter 13|13 pages

The Family at the Present Day

chapter 14|9 pages

The Family in Individual Psychology

chapter 15|10 pages

The Family and the State

chapter 16|12 pages

Divorce

chapter 17|9 pages

Population

chapter 18|12 pages

Eugenics

chapter 19|8 pages

Sex and Individual Well-being

chapter 20|9 pages

The Place of Sex among Human Values

chapter 21|11 pages

Conclusion