Good Sex Perspectives on Sexual Ethics Raymond A. Belliotti 328 pages, 6 x 9 Paper ISBN 978-0-7006-0605-4, $16.95 Rules about sexuality, written and unwritten, have existed in every culture as have disagreements over what is and isn't acceptable. Must morally permissible sex have only one function? Must it be heterosexual? Must it occur within the confines of the institution of marriage? Must it be accompanied by requisite emotions such as love and intimacy? Addressing questions of sexuality that philosophers have pondered for centuries, Raymond Belliotti covers a myriad of issues, including the origin of gender and reproductive roles , the function of morally permissible sex, heterosexuality and homosexuality, mutual consent, and extramarital sex. Looking at sexual morality in both a historical and a contemporary context, he provides a critical survey of various philosophies, from ancient Greek dualism to feminism, and distinguishes morally permissible sex from morally ideal sex, maximally fulfilling sex, and prudentially sound sex. In addition, Belliotti advances and defends a new and provocative five-tier framework for sexual ethics. This framework requires examination of the presence of libertarian agreement; a contextual attentiveness to general moral precepts; an analysis of economic and sexual exploitation; consideration of third party effects; and an understanding of the effects of sexual activity on wider social contexts. By applying it to heterosexuality, homosexuality, bestiality, necrophilia, incest, and prostitution, Belliotti connects sexual ethics to sociopolitical theory and certain core philosophical concerns. In addition, he develops a new theory of sexual ethics that aspires to mediate the tensions between mainstream Western moralities and their leftist and feminist critics. Sexual activity is unquestionably one of the most powerfully animating human drives. By examining the ethics of sexuality, Belliotti reveals much about the people we are and the people we might become. "There is no other book quite like Good Sex, Belliotti's lively and engaging study of the ethical dimensions of human sexuality. Drawing upon a wide range of disciplines, from history and philosophy to current social criticism, Belliotti takes up the most explosive aspects of his subject and treats them all with good sense and good humor. A splendid book that sets anew standard for work in this area."--James Rachels, author of Created from Animals: The Moral Implications of Darwinism "This illuminating discussion of sexual ethics combines historical breadth, analytical detail, and practical moral insight. Belliotti offers an impressive synthesis of social and political perspectives, including feminist, conservative, and leftist views. His writing is wonderfully clear, engaging, and thought-provoking. A richly rewarding study!"--Mike W. Martin, author of Self-Deception and Morality RAYMOND A. BELLIOTTI, professor of philosophy at the State University of New York at Fredonia, is the author of Seeking Identity: Individualism versus Community in an Ethnic Context and Justifying Law: The Debate over Foundations, Goals, and Methods.   Home | About the Press | Recent Awards | Contact Us | Order New Books: | By Author | By Subject | By Title | By Series Books in Print: | By Author | By Subject | By Title | By Series ©2007 University Press of Kansas 2502 Westbrooke Circle, Lawrence, KS 66045-4444 Phone (785) 864-4155; Fax (785) 864-4586