Jeremy Bentham, Offenses Against Onself - Other Sexual Offenses Considered - Sadler's Lectures

Jeremy Bentham, Offenses Against Onself - Other Sexual Offenses Considered - Sadler's Lectures

Author: Lectures on classic and contemporary philosophical texts and thinkers by Gregory B. Sadler February 10, 2026 Duration: 12:06
This lecture discusses key ideas from the Utilitarian philosopher, Jeremy Bentham's work, Offenses Against Oneself, a posthumously published part of his Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation. Here we examine the range of other perceived sexual offenses Bentham discusses and evaluates, all of which involve the feature "that they consist in procuring certain sensations by means of an improper object." Bentham considers five types: "1. Of the proper species but at an improper time: for instance, after death. 2. Of an object of the proper species and sex, and at a proper time, but in an improper part. 3. Of an object of the proper species but the wrong sex. 4. Of a wrong species. 5. In procuring this sensation by one's self without the help of any other sensitive object." Of all of these, oddly enough but consistent with some of the medical opinions of his time, he considers the last one, i.e. masturbation, to be the most pernicious. To support my ongoing work, go to my Patreon site - www.patreon.com/sadler If you'd like to make a direct contribution, you can do so here - www.paypal.me/ReasonIO - or at BuyMeACoffee - www.buymeacoffee.com/A4quYdWoM You can find over 1500 philosophy videos in my main YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/user/gbisadler Purchase Bentham's Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation -amzn.to/2Z470Bq

For those drawn to deep, sustained engagement with ideas, Sadler's Lectures offers a quiet space for intellectual exploration. Guided by Gregory B. Sadler, this audio series transforms his extensive library of video lectures into a purely auditory experience, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in close readings and thoughtful commentaries on philosophical works. The discussions span the entire tradition, from the foundational texts of Plato and Aristotle to the complex arguments of modern and contemporary thinkers. Each episode functions as a self-contained lecture, carefully unpacking concepts, tracing arguments, and clarifying the nuances that make these texts enduring. The approach is scholarly yet accessible, prioritizing clarity and understanding over performative debate. This podcast is built for anyone seeking to supplement their studies, revisit classic ideas, or simply think alongside a knowledgeable guide during a commute or walk. The existence and ongoing conversion of this material into podcast form is made possible directly by listener support through Patreon, a testament to the community value found in this educational resource. Tune in for a direct, unadorned journey through the landscapes of philosophy, one thinker and one text at a time.
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