The Failure of Kantian Matrimony as Grounds for Rethinking Sexual Impulse

Abstract

This project attempts to answer the question whether Kantian matrimony succeeds conceptually as a context for moral sex, from the perspective of a feminist who values Kant’s emphasis on respect for persons. Kant is right in thinking that sex often does pose a threat to human dignity, and that it also has the potential to undermine all sorts of relationships, including friendships. As such, Kant may have correctly identified a dimension of insecurity within friendship which matrimony is conceptually protected against. At the same time, Kant’s proposed solution (i.e. matrimony) may not be a sufficient solution either, and we have strong grounds to rethink Kant’s problematic assumptions about the nature of sexuality itself, specifically those about gender and sexual desire and desirability.