The Philosophy of Pornography: Contemporary Perspectives by Lindsay Coleman


The Philosophy of Pornography: Contemporary Perspectives
Title : The Philosophy of Pornography: Contemporary Perspectives
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 1442235969
ISBN-10 : 9781442235960
Language : English
Format Type : Hardcover
Number of Pages : 302
Publication : First published January 1, 2014

For many individuals, pornography is a troubling and problematic issue. Regardless of how the public views this topic, one thing is clear: Pornography is as prevalent and accessible as smartphones and laptop computers. Indeed, beyond traditional hardcore material, a pornographic sensibility permeates many aspects of culture—from tween and young teen fashions to television and commercially successful films. In fact, pornography is so widespread that more often than not it is taken as a given in our modern social space. However, the thought of engaging in intellectual discussions about the topic strikes many—particularly scholars—as beneath them. And yet something this impactful, this definitive of modern culture, needs to be laid open to scrutiny.

In The Philosophy of Pornography: Contemporary Perspectives, Lindsay Coleman and Jacob M. Held offer a collection of essays covering a wide range of viewpoints—from issues of free speech and porn’s role in discrimination to the impact of porn on sexuality. These essays investigate the philosophical implications of pornography as a part of how we now seek to conceive and express our sexuality in contemporary life. Contributors to this volume discuss:


Because its subject matter—sex, gender, interpersonal relationships, and even love—is reflective of who we are and what kind of society we want to create, pornography demands serious treatment. So whether one chooses to accept pornography as a fact of modern culture or not, this collection of timely essays represents a variety of voices in the ongoing debate. As such, The Philosophy of Pornography will be of interest to not only those who are engaged in porn studies but also to an audience educated in and conversant with recent trends in philosophy.

The Philosophy of Pornography: Contemporary Perspectives Reviews

  • Facundo Martin

    While some of the authors in this book may have a broader definition of healthy sex, I think we can probably all agree on consensual sex acts on a footing of equality that don't harm its participants. So much the better if these acts are nurturing/accepting of each other/infused with positive emotions/scripts akin to those we find in good friendships. Although not strictly necessary, we may throw in an element of playfulness/rebelliousness. This is the main take-away for the optimist version of myself, but of course the literalist within me cries "what do you mean by harm/positive emotions/good frienship, etc.?". And we're not even discussing having sex. We're discussing filming/watching recordings of people having sex!

    I believe The Philosophy of Pornography shares much of my optimistic vision. But it's a tough road getting there and its easy to get tangled up in a verbal mess on your way there. So, probably the main thing this book actually does is seek a middle ground between anti- and anti-anti-porn folks re whatever they were debating circa 2013. One thing it probably doesn't do is explore porn in very much depth. On the plus side, it may serve as a refresher on/introduction to the philosophy of feminism, law, society, and language. Let me elaborate.

    I've always struggled with the question of whether or not to consume pornography and, if yes, what kind. Also, I've always had a vague inkling for philosophical musings. So, I was looking for a book featuring Immanuel Kant and Hannah Arendt going at it.... I mean, that took a philosophical approach to pornography using layman/woman's terms. Admittedly, a book that includes Philosophy in and excludes For Dummies from its title is unlikely to do this, right?

    Regardless, I was at least able to agree, in general lines, with the theory posited by Stop Porn Culture that, overall, pornography promotes a model of men subjugating women and was at least able to somewhat follow the discussion of whether pornography fits Austin's concept of a speech act and the legal ramifications derived by Mc Kinnon (i.e., whether it should be covered under free speech). Go me! I also thought it was interesting to this book gave a platform to a voice from the opposite corner of the debate by featuring an ex-performer defending the industry. And that it then analysed this intervention as that of a persona constrained by the Machiavellian system. And that it then gave this person the benefit of the doubt and self-will once more. Etcetera.

    I was completely lost when Hegel and Heidegger were mentioned and wished there was further discusssion of psychology (e.g., what does each porn genre/act say about the viewer?) and neurobiology (from a less biased perspective than Gary Wilson's Your Brain on Porn).

  • Rebecca

    Porn is Filmed Rape, Prostitution is Paid Rape, and if the things in porn were being done to men on the battlefield it would be considered the greatest atrocities of violence to ever have occurred. There are more hours of filmed rape and torture of female born bodies and children than all the hours humans have existed and in 1 year there are enough visits to RapeHub, for every man on the planet to have visited the site 11 times for an average of 9-11 minutes. Women, wake up. Consent is a word that was invented so that the rich could disenfranchise the poor. Free speech is not the issue, it would be like saying war is free speech. This is the biggest form of ongoing violence in the world. Pay attention to the gendered grooming and gaslighting. It’s not porn, it’s filmed rape and torture.