Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book shows that understanding philosophical issues related to sex and love requires examining them within their social contexts. Sex and love are connected to some of the most central topics in philosophy, including those of personal identity and well-being, the nature of autonomy and consent, and the dual nature of persons as individual and social beings. Mutuality and generosity are often thought to characterize an ideal or even an essential aspect of sexual interaction and pleasure, in the absence of which sex might seem a sadly contractual or objectifying. Mutuality and generosity are often thought to characterize an ideal or even an essential aspect of sexual interaction and pleasure, in the absence of which sex might seem a sadly contractual or objectifying.