Description
Book SynopsisChris Meyers takes the reader on a careful, rational, sustained criticism of arguments about the immorality of homosexuality. Meyers refutes anti-gay arguments by showing that they are based on unreasonable or demonstrably false ideas about the nature of morality. Working through the morality arguments against homosexuality, Meyers shows how the nature of morality demands impartial, overriding reasons to act. He argues that morality is not grounded in visceral feelings of disgust, commands from the scriptures, or mysterious Platonic essences. In clear, convincing discussion, Meyers examines morality to promote the moral logic of granting rights to all people, no matter their sexual orientation.
Trade ReviewMeyers has written an important, timely study. The reasons are two. First, even with the Supreme Court ruling allowing same-sex marriage, arguments about LGBT rights continue. College campuses are no exception. Meyers uses logic in examining the issue, forcing readers to confront the fallacies in arguments against LGBT rights and promoting the logic of granting rights to all people, no matter their sexual orientation. His treatment will prompt thoughtful, non-emotional discussions. Second, this book is significant in terms of philosophy and logic. Students studying argumentation will find the book extremely helpful in learning to analyze and evaluate arguments from a logical perspective. And it will assist students in learning to avoid logical fallacies in their arguments. Valuable in GLBT studies, philosophy, classes in logic and argumentation, and the social sciences in general, the book is also just a good read. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers. * CHOICE *
Chris Meyers’ amazing book is not only a complete defense of homosexuality; it is also a comprehensive, deep, and competent introduction to ethical philosophy. This combination makes it an ideal book for both scholars and general readers interested in moral theory and its application. -- Alan Soble, University of New Orleans; co-editor of The Philosophy of Sex: Contemporary Readings (sixth edition, 2013)
This is an informed and sensitive work that should be read by everyone. The author’s basic decency shone through again and again and is particularly admirable. Sometimes philosophical arguments are really important, and this is one of those times. -- Michael Ruse, Lucyle T. Werkmeister Professor of Philosophy, Florida State University
With clear and careful philosophical analyses, Meyers systematically debunks the leading arguments against gay rights. Buttressed with evidence from the sciences, this is a superb defense of the view that there is nothing wrong with homosexuality. -- Andrew I. Cohen, Associate Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Jean Beer Blumenfeld Center for Ethics, Georgia State University
Table of ContentsPreface 1. Introduction 2. What is Morality? 3. Moral Theory and Divine Command 4. Destiny or Choice? Biology, Sexual Orientation, and Responsibility 5. Homosexuality and Morality I: The Natural Law Argument 6. Homosexuality and Morality II: The Teleological Argument & Moral Intuitionistism 7. Debunking Psychological Explanations for Disapproval of Homosexuality 8. Homosexuality, Consequences, and Justice I: Slippery Slope Arguments 9. Homosexuality, Consequences, and Justice II: Alleged Bad Consequences of Gay Tolerant Public Policies 10. Arguments in Favor of Homosexuality and Gay Rights
