Taking a Look at Masturbation

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Masturbation is such a simple concept, yet the controversy over the topic is discussed freely amongst many philosophers. Although the word itself has many definitions Alan Soble, Alan Goldman, Robert Solomon, and Thomas Nagel all have their own takes of the matter. Finally, in this essay, I will highlight the philosophical opinion of masturbation and the negative connotation it also possesses.
Alan Soble defines masturbation as a person who manually rubs the penis or clitoris, in private, until final orgasm. There were many different attempts of defining masturbation, but Soble could not fully agree to them all because they were flawed. The first description for masturbation is “a sexual act involving hands and genitals”. He disagreed with this because some sexual acts do not involve hands or genitals. The second definition says “ a sexual act with lack of insertion”. This is false because it states that if something is not inserted, then it is considered masturbatory; oral and anal sex is not considered masturbatory. The third definition says “sexual act not involving the insertion of a real penis into an orifice of a living being”. This presents a double standard because it is conveying that gays can have sex but lesbians cannot. Since intercourse between lesbians does not require a “real penis”, it would be considered masturbation rather than sex. Another definition with the same double standard is shown in the fourth definition, which states “a sexual act not involving the insertion of a real penis into an orifice of a human being.” Bestiality is not considered masturbatory; therefore this statement would be incorrect. In the fifth definition, it mentions “a sexual act not involving the insertion of a real penis into an orif...

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...feminist writers. From the liberal’s point of view, they believe that masturbation is wrong. They believe masturbation-- even pornography-- send out a bad message towards men undergoing a lot of pressure to become sexually active. Partaking in masturbation or watching pornography degrades women and makes them feel as if they are being used as an object. Just the thought of women while engaging in masturbation is frowned upon and seen as immoral. Soble deliberates that the liberals are underestimating men.
Through my readings, I have come to realize that masturbation has been an issue which many educated philosophers have strongly focused on. Many people have questioned whether or not masturbation is considered moral or immoral. Although most philosophers saw masturbation under a foul light, Alan Soble was able to prove that masturbation was not completely corrupt.

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