Philosophy Of Sexuality: Lust By Simon Blackburn

“Among the many topics explored by the philosophy of sexuality are procreation, contraception, celibacy, marriage, adultery, casual sex, flirting, prostitution, homosexuality, masturbation, seduction, rape, sexual harassment, sadomasochism, pornography, bestiality, and pedophilia. What do all these things have in common? All are related in various ways to the vast domain of human sexuality.” (Soble, Alan. "Philosophy of Sexuality." Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 May 2017.) Lust by Simon Blackburn is one of seven novels that comprise the Oxford Library series about the seven deadly sins. Blackburn tells his own opinions about the topic and opinions of other philosophers and religious figures throughout history. Because

lust is treated as a taboo subject it is often disregarded as an important topic for conversation among adolescents. This text sheds light onto the ideology surrounding sexuality and lust across many centuries. This novel is a captivating read for someone who is interested in learning about the philosophical and religious past of lust and sexuality.
Sexuality is an enormous spectrum of principle, all in which have shame surrounding them for various reasons including religious beliefs, social pressures, and the lack of knowledge.

“Religion is frequently viewed as a potent gatekeeper of sexual attitudes and behaviors. Historians and anthropologists have noted evidence from as far back as pre-fifth century BC that religion tends to separate human sexuality by emphasizing a dualistic split between body and spirit.” (Murray, Kelly M., Joseph W. Ciarrocchi, and Nichole A. Murray-Swank. "SPIRITUALITY, RELIGIOSITY, SHAME AND GUILT AS PREDICTORS OF SEXUAL ATTITUDES AND EXPERIENCES." Journal of Psychology and Theology 2007, Vol. 35, No. 3, 222-234, n.d. Web. 1 May 2017.) This study is a display of the long history surrounding sexual shame and guilt, guided by religion. In the novel Blackburn writes about religion and how it affects sexuality, he specifically talks about Christianity and how it has impacted western standards of what is considered acceptable when discussing sex and relationships. “Thomas Aquinas routinely characterizes marital intercourse in terms that include filth, stain, foulness, disease and corruption.” (Blackburn, Simon. Lust: The Seven Deadly Sins. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2004. Print.) Thomas Aquinas was an Italian Dominican friar, Catholic priest, and Doctor of the Church. He was also an influential philosopher and theologist whose opinion was valued not only as a religious figure but also intellectual being.

The problem with this is that because he was so influential, he and others like him have created confusion and regret amongst individuals who are already in a vulnerable place if they are questioning their own sexual practices in the first place. “Davidson, Darling, and Norton (1995) felt that people avoid engaging in sexual practices for the sake of sexual pleasure because of the broadly-held religious attitude that sexual desires ought to be repressed.” (Murray, Kelly M., Joseph W. Ciarrocchi, and Nichole A. Murray-Swank. "SPIRITUALITY, RELIGIOSITY, SHAME AND GUILT AS PREDICTORS OF SEXUAL ATTITUDES AND EXPERIENCES." Journal of Psychology and Theology 2007, Vol. 35, No. 3, 222-234, n.d. Web. 1 May 2017.) Yet again religion is the culprit of interference in a negative way, sex does not always equal procreation and shame, lack of education, and close mindedness also leads to depletion of pleasure which is a fundamental factor in lust and sexual expression.
It is abundantly clear that lust and sexuality is a hot topic in the media and casual conversation today, despite that the United States still has a despicable excuse for sex education in schools, a tool that is crucial to the development of our youth today.

“The share of adolescent females receiving formal instruction about how to say no to sex but receiving no instruction about birth control methods increased from 22% to 26% between 2006–2010 and 2011–2013.” (American Teens’ Sources of Sexual Health Education. Atlanta, Ga. (1600 Clifton Road, N.E., Atlanta 30333): ATSDR, 1990. Web. 1 May 2017. .) It is great that there has been an increase in sexual education at all but abstinence only education has been proven ineffective and only promotes the idea that having sex outside of marriage makes you immoral. “Certain types of manipulation and deception seem required prior to engaging in sex with another person, or are so common as to appear part of the nature of the sexual experience.” (Soble, Alan. "Philosophy of Sexuality." Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 May 2017.) Without education toxic behavior has developed over time, it is hard to distinguish what is right from wrong if you have been taught to be ashamed or guilty regardless. This novel is not only convenient for casual reading but it is also a light-hearted introduction to understanding lust, emotions related to sex, and ways people have been conditioned to feel the way they

do.
Lust, says Simon Blackburn, is furtive, headlong, always sizing up opportunities. It is a trail of clothing in the hallway, the trashy cousin of love. In the novel Blackburn shares his views on the topic of lust and offers up information and ideology to backup his claims of religious and social sabotage in regards to both sex and the lack thereof. The point that could be stressed regarding the recommendation of this novel is that it does a great job of covering the topics mentioned previously in the text while also getting the point across in a humorous manner.
Sexuality is an incredibly broad spectrum of emotion, psychology, and social construct that is still progressing into different ideals of what is acceptable everyday. This novel displays information and adds humor to lighten the mood but explain the importance of free thinking and acceptance. It could be a good read for someone interested in looking deeper into lust, sins, and sexuality from early BC to present day.