"This is the only book currently on the market that covers a vast expanse of topics of sexual ontology, gender identity, sexual ethics, and non-traditional sexual preferences and relationships in a thorough and systematic way. It truly reflects the ever-changing landscape of the issues surrounding sex in 21st century, representing the top-notch quality of work done by the experts in the field. It is a wonderful source for those teaching philosophy of sex in the upper-level courses as well as for anyone who wishes to think clearly and critically about sex and related issues."--Arina Pismenny, Montclair State University "An updated version of a now classic anthology, Philosophy of Sex: Contemporary Readings, the seventh edition, is absolutely guaranteed to open minds and stimulate discussion both in and outside the classroom."--James P. Sterba, University of Notre Dame "The Philosophy of Sex is the best collection of essays available on this important topic. Bringing together leading work both old and new, it provides a rich treatment of key issues and controversies that are an invaluable contribution to the field."--Thom Brooks, Durham University "The Philosophy of Sex takes up important questions of the day. What does sex mean for our identity? For our relationships? What kinds of sexual actions are morally acceptable and which are not? The Philosophy of Sex collects clear, interesting, and convincing responses to these questions. Some of these accounts are classic touchstones in conversations about sex. Others are novel explorations of gender identity, sexual orientation, and objectification. There is no better volume to start a serious conversation about sex than The Philosophy of Sex, although that conversation will have to find room for some humor too."--Timothy F. Murphy, University of Illinois College of Medicine "While preserving the best of the sixth edition, [the seventh edition] now includes excellent discussions of queer theory, sex and disability, asexuality, bisexuality, polyamory, and even zoophilia, as well as new material on gender identity and trans- and intersex issues. That makes it by far the best and most comprehensive collection of readings in an increasingly crowded field. I can now use it as a single, amply sufficient source of up-to-date material for my course."--Ronald de Sousa, PhD., FRSC, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, University of Toronto "This new edition of The Philosophy of Sex: Contemporary Readings is an intriguing and helpful collection of essays--including classics as well as new essays on more contemporary topics. Not only is it an excellent resource for teaching courses that address gender, sex, and identity, it is also the kind of book that would be useful as material for orientations for new college students. It addresses many issues about sexuality that are important for all of us to think about."--Marianne Janack, John Stewart Kennedy Professor of Philosophy, Hamilton College

With twenty-five essays, fourteen of which are new to this edition, this best-selling volume examines the nature, morality, and social meanings of contemporary sexual phenomena. Topics include sexual desire, masturbation, sex on the Internet, homosexuality, transgender and transsexual issues, rape, and promiscuity. New chapters discuss polyamory, transgender issues, queer issues, paraphilia, drugs and sex, objectification, BDSM, cybersex, and sex and race. Updated and new discussion questions offer students starting points for debate in both the classroom and the bedroom.