What is sex?

[EscortInspector]

I'm not interested in the dictionary definition of sex and I'm not interested in a biological, psychological or pathological explanation for what motivates one to have sex. Rather, I am interested in how the community views sex in the context of ethics. Sex is a good thing, in most cases, and it is something desired by most people, but what kind of good is it? Is sex an instrumental good, good only insofar as it's consequences: sex leads to money, a feeling of satisfaction, attachment, status, psychological and physical wellbeing, a family etc etc; perhaps sex is intrinsically good: sex itself is enjoyable; or is it a combination of the two, good in itself and for it's consequences?

Some examples of instrumental goods would be surgery and exercise, both can lead to injuries and complications but the benefits of successful surgeries and fitness programs outweigh the negatives. An example of an intrinsic good would be pleasure or happiness, they are desired because of what they are rather than what they lead to and many other things are desired because they lead to pleasure or happiness. An example of something that is both instrumentally good and intrinsically good would be friendship, having friends is desirable in itself and there are many benefits to having friends.

Where does sex fit into this framework?

tl;dr: Is sex the journey, the destination or both?

[new67]

That is one hell of a question, and its one I have no answer for but I look forward to seeing if someone can answer it
Good on ya..

[MrCreen]

I'm not interested in the dictionary definition of sex and I'm not interested in a biological, psychological or pathological explanation for what motivates one to have sex. Rather, I am interested in how the community views sex in the context of ethics. Sex is a good thing, in most cases, and it is something desired by most people, but what kind of good is it? Is sex an instrumental good, good only insofar as it's consequences: sex leads to money, a feeling of satisfaction, attachment, status, psychological and physical wellbeing, a family etc etc; perhaps sex is intrinsically good: sex itself is enjoyable; or is it a combination of the two, good in itself and for it's consequences?

Some examples of instrumental goods would be surgery and exercise, both can lead to injuries and complications but the benefits of successful surgeries and fitness programs outweigh the negatives. An example of an intrinsic good would be pleasure or happiness, they are desired because of what they are rather than what they lead to and many other things are desired because they lead to pleasure or happiness. An example of something that is both instrumentally good and intrinsically good would be friendship, having friends is desirable in itself and there are many benefits to having friends.

Where does sex fit into this framework?

tl;dr: Is sex the journey, the destination or both?

It's an urge to be quenched? Strip away all the fluff and it's what our lizard brains tell us to do..eat, shit, sleep, fuck and fight? It's nothing special really in and of itself.

Its neither good nor bad ethically speaking..I think.

[captainwagger]

Sex is a hard topic to nail down. In blokes friends circles it is often only in referred to in a piss take manner. I would think a high percentage of males can't discuss sex in an open and honest manner, even with their partners let alone another male. We know it's a bit of an off (I was going to say taboo but a bit strong perhaps) topic in polite society. So when asked 'how are you today?' we don't say 'horney as fuck!' and we talk about the weather or sport and you may go so far as to say (to a mate) 'banged the missus last night so feeling a bit lighter today thanks.' But in day to day conversation its kept in the dark.

So sex to me, and I'm encompassing all the different types of sex when I say sex, is something the majority of adults in the world probably enjoy, even if only for procreation and find necessary to their happiness. But it's a topic that we feel afraid of discussing openly. Probably for good reason, could you imagine the poor females if it was an open discussion topic!

It is a shame that so many do find it difficult to discuss sex openly though and I was one of them, for the most part of my younger existence I'd of been extremely embarrassed if a female or even a mate had tried to talk about sex with me! Nowadays, we'd probably have to set aside some quality time to get through everything we'd like to talk about.

All of the above is from a 1st world westerners point of view of course, I don't know how it is discussed or percieved on many other parts of the planet and religions are going to put their stamp on it as well. I think in Scandinavian counties they are better at talking about it than us?

I also think it is everthing Roddy Mc said as well, except for the god bit, no question mark needed for me.

[EscortInspector]

Sex is a hard topic to nail down. In blokes friends circles it is often only in referred to in a piss take manner. I would think a high percentage of males can't discuss sex in an open and honest manner, even with their partners let alone another male. We know it's a bit of an off (I was going to say taboo but a bit strong perhaps) topic in polite society. So when asked 'how are you today?' we don't say 'horney as fuck!' and we talk about the weather or sport and you may go so far as to say (to a mate) 'banged the missus last night so feeling a bit lighter today thanks.' But in day to day conversation its kept in the dark.

So sex to me, and I'm encompassing all the different types of sex when I say sex, is something the majority of adults in the world probably enjoy, even if only for procreation and find necessary to their happiness. But it's a topic that we feel afraid of discussing openly. Probably for good reason, could you imagine the poor females if it was an open discussion topic!

It is a shame that so many do find it difficult to discuss sex openly though and I was one of them, for the most part of my younger existence I'd of been extremely embarrassed if a female or even a mate had tried to talk about sex with me! Nowadays, we'd probably have to set aside some quality time to get through everything we'd like to talk about.

All of the above is from a 1st world westerners point of view of course, I don't know how it is discussed or percieved on many other parts of the planet and religions are going to put their stamp on it as well. I think in Scandinavian counties they are better at talking about it than us?

I also think it is everthing Roddy Mc said as well, except for the god bit, no question mark needed for me.

I agree completely, and that is why it is important to make use of this forum to discuss these matters anonymously and sympathetically.

It looks like you too are in the instrumentalist camp, sex leads to something more desirable than the sex itself, whether for procreation or pleasure. It's a great answer.

There's certainly nothing to be embarrassed about here, and I will continue to probe () the community to see how others view sex and related topics, without judgment.

Thanks for your answer.

[captainwagger]

As per Escortinspectors post;
There's certainly nothing to be embarrassed about here, and I will continue to probe () the community to see how others view sex and related topics, without judgment.

Thanks for your answer.[/QUOTE]

One has to be careful around the topic of sex. Even on here, an adult website's (it's main purpose being to provide an opportunity to purchase anothers time for the act of sex) forum.

Let us use the analogy of anal play to examine the state of open sexual discussion.

Some think it's dirty and don't like it
Some like to tease around the edges in a fun way
Some will take a little penetration but are offended if to deep or broad
Some like to plunge to the depths in a broad and open manner

I could use the same analogy for whose having anal play with whom but we'll leave that alone for the time being.