Sexual Ethics in College Textbooks: A Survey

Abstract

The author reviewed 10 sexuality textbooks and found that they (a) are generally concerned about sexual ethics, (b) evince confusion about the nature of ethics and the role of social scientists vis-à-vis ethics, (c) explicitly disclaim ethical judgments, but (d) implicitly advocate a consistent set of values and behaviors. This incoherent state of affairs calls for rethinking. Presuming that empirically grounded determinations of what is healthy or unhealthy, enhancing or destructive of persons and relationships, is the very intent of the terms right and wrong, good and evil, the author suggests that sexologists qua sexologists may propose, and even ought to propose, these determinations as ethical prescriptions.