The mismeasure of desire : the science, theory, and ethics of sexual orientation
"In recent years scientific research and popular opinion have favored the idea that sexual orientations are determined at birth, but philosopher and educator Edward Stein argues that much of what we think we know about the origins of sexual desire is probably wrong. Stein provides a comprehensive overview of such research on sexual orientation and shows that it is deeply flawed. Stein argues that this research assumes a picture of sexual desire that reflects unquestioned cultural stereotypes rather than cross-cultural scientific facts, and that it suffers from serious methodological problems. He considers whether sexual orientation is even amenable to empirical study and asks if it is useful for our understanding of human nature to categorize people based on their sexual desires. Perhaps most importantly, Stein examines some of the ethical issues surrounding such research, including gay and lesbian civil rights and the implications of parents trying to select or change the sexual orientation of their children."--Jacket
xi, 388 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm
9780195099959, 9780195142440, 0195099958, 0195142446
40534991
Sex, gender, and sexual orientation
What is sexual orientation?
Human kinds
Essentialism and constructionism about sexual orientation
The emerging scientific program for the study of sexual orientation
Animal models and evolutionary accounts in the emerging research program
Critique of the emerging research program
Experiential theories of sexual orientation
Sexual orientation and choice
Lesbian and gay rights and the science of sexual orientation
Selecting and changing the sexual orientation of children
Should scientific research on sexual orientation be done?