Sex from Plato to Paglia [2 Volumes]

Book excerpt: Sexuality has captured our imagination since antiquity. Its passion and mysteries have inspired numerous creative works and posed many ethical, legal, and social challenges. Because sex is so central to our personal lives and society, various thinkers have pondered its philosophical dimensions.This reference book, the first of its kind, offers comprehensive coverage of sexual philosophy. Unlike other works, which explore the biology of sex, this encyclopedia locates sexuality in its broader intellectual and social contexts. Alan Soble, one of the world's foremost authorities on the philosophy of sex, has consulted an advisory board of distinguished specialists. Through more than 150 alphabetically arranged entries, the encyclopedia chronicles how people have thought about sexuality across time and cultures. The entries, written by more than 100 expert contributors who cite current scholarship, provide insightful discussions of thinkers, topics, movements, religions, and concepts. Includes more than 150 alphabetically arranged entries Draws upon the work of more than 100 expert contributors from a range of disciplines Provides biographical and topical entries Entries are fully cross-referenced and close with extensive bibliographies Provides a selected, general bibliography of major works