Eros and Ethos

Sexual ethics has historically been a bleak landscape of three false alternatives resist, abstain, or indiscriminately indulge. in eros and ethos, philosopher jason stotts presents a radical new alternative in which sex is an ethically important part of a rich human life. he shows how sex is a significant expression of our character, because sex arises out of the deepest and most fundamental parts of who we are. on his account, virtue lies in proudly bringing desire in line with our flourishing so that we can create rich and meaningful lives. review "most discussions of sexual ethics focus on what is forbidden and permitted. stotts wants his readers to think beyond these issues. he challenges us to think about and pursue a flourishing sex life. just read the first few pages and you will find yourself questioning what we (often unwittingly) learn about how sex should fit into a good life. stotts leads his readers in a refreshingly candid conversation about sex and how to lead an exemplary life. his mastery of both philosophical and clinical issues about sex make him a particularly good guide along the path towards an excellent sex life. his conclusion that sex is essential to a well-lived life (for most people), and the eudaimonistic framework that he develops to defend it, will also interest those studying sex academically. indeed, my students and i discuss some of his arguments in our courses on sex." patrick ryan, lecturer in philosophy, california state university, fullerton "this is an ambitious effort that puts forward a radical new theory regarding sexuality and ethics. the writing is clear, precise, and free of needless jargon. although rooted in philosophy and, to a certain extent, psychology, the text is readable and accessible. while some might quibble with elements of the theory and its application to particular scenarios, one conclusion is inescapable: this is a powerful work that takes aim at several longstanding traditions of thought and forges a new path forward." jacob neiheisel, university at buffalo, suny