Upon hearing the phrase “sexual perversions” there are a variety of definitions that come to each individuals mind. That being said, is there really just one precise definition? If so, who decides that it is the most accurate? Thomas Nagel presented various theories and explanations as to what he believes the definition of a sexual perversion is. To understand a perversion you must first understand sexual attraction. A great example of this is the famous Romeo and Juliet scenario. In this situation we assume that Romeo and Juliet are sitting at different tables in a bar. Romeo looks up and senses Juliet’s presence and Juliet senses him in return. Assuming that to “sense” someone is to regard them with sexual desire. Now that they have sensed
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Many argue that while it is successful, there are circumstances in which Nagel’s theory does not account for. Given that there are instances in which Nagel would consider perversions while others would not. For example, take into consideration homosexuality. According to Nagel’s theory while it is considered unnatural to many, homosexuality is not a perversion. Although it is not a typical sexual act -meaning that it does not result in reproduction- it is still not foreign as it existed even back in the time of ancient Greeks. There are individuals that also believe that homosexuality is a chosen act. Most people would not choose to be ridiculed, abused and in extreme cases even murdered for that “preferred” act, so is it really preferred? Or perhaps they do not have a say in the matter. Individuals who are skeptical of Nagel’s theory could use both examples against his reasoning. Homosexuality as well as other acts can be seen by the public as unnatural, however, unless they meet all three criterion of his theory, they can be disregarded. With this in mind, Nagel’s theory holds true against homosexuality as it only meets a maximum of two of his criteria, whereas actual perversions must meet all three. So while Nagel’s theory does have a few cases that are not accounted for, it does cover the vast majority of sexual perversions and is therefore
Many argue that while it is successful, there are circumstances in which Nagel’s theory does not account for. Given that there are instances in which Nagel would consider perversions while others would not. For example, take into consideration homosexuality. According to Nagel’s theory while it is considered unnatural to many, homosexuality is not a perversion. Although it is not a typical sexual act -meaning that it does not result in reproduction- it is still not foreign as it existed even back in the time of ancient Greeks. There are individuals that also believe that homosexuality is a chosen act. Most people would not choose to be ridiculed, abused and in extreme cases even murdered for that “preferred” act, so is it really preferred? Or perhaps they do not have a say in the matter. Individuals who are skeptical of Nagel’s theory could use both examples against his reasoning. Homosexuality as well as other acts can be seen by the public as unnatural, however, unless they meet all three criterion of his theory, they can be disregarded. With this in mind, Nagel’s theory holds true against homosexuality as it only meets a maximum of two of his criteria, whereas actual perversions must meet all three. So while Nagel’s theory does have a few cases that are not accounted for, it does cover the vast majority of sexual perversions and is therefore