A Problem in Greek Ethics / Being an inquiry into the phenomenon of sexual inversion, addressed especially to medical psychologists and jurists

Name: A Problem in Greek Ethics / Being an inquiry into the phenomenon of sexual inversion, addressed especially to medical psychologists and jurists
Author: John Addington Symonds

By John Addington Symonds

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Gender & Sexuality Studies History - Ancient Philosophy & Ethics

About This Book

The essay investigates the phenomenon of male same-sex attraction in ancient Greece, tracing its presence or absence across epic, lyric, dramatic and philosophical texts and in law and social practice. It distinguishes an elevated, heroic model from vulgar and commercial forms, surveys regional customs—especially Dorian, Spartan and Cretan—and examines institutions such as gymnasia, symposia and age-structured relationships. Myth, art and legal cases are analysed alongside psychological and ethical reflections to show how aesthetic values and social structures shaped attitudes to love, and to account for the cultural transformations that led to its decline.

About the Author

John Addington Symonds

John Addington Symonds (1840–1893) was an English poet, biographer, and critic, renowned for his contributions to literature and his exploration of sexuality in the Victorian era. His notable works include "A Problem in Greek Ethics," which examines the phenomenon of sexual inversion, and the multi-volume "Renaissance in Italy," a comprehensive study of Italian culture and art during the Renaissance. Symonds was also an advocate for the rights of homosexuals, and his writings often reflect his progressive views on sexuality. His literary legacy continues to influence discussions on ethics, art, and identity.