
Jeremy Bentham, Offenses Against Onself - Common Reasons To Punish Same Sex Relations
Feb 1, 2026
14:02
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 some of the common reasons people give in his times and society for prohibiting or punishing male-male sexual relationships and activity. He considers first whether there is any harm caused, then whether it is an "offense against the peace" in any manner, and then whether male-male sexual activity is "enervating" that is, weakening to those who engage in it.
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