Abstract
Kant on sex gives most philosophers the following associations: a lifelong
celibate philosopher; a natural teleological view of sexuality; a strange
incorporation of this natural teleological account within his freedom-based moral
theory; and a stark ethical condemnation of most sexual activity. Although this
paper provides an interpretation of Kant’s view on sexuality, it neither defends nor
offers an apology for everything Kant says about sexuality. Rather, it aims to show
that a reconsidered Kant-based account can utilize his many worthwhile insights
and that making Kant’s account of sexuality more consistent with his own basic
philosophical commitments results in a compelling approach to the complex and
complicated phenomena of sexual love, sexual identity, and sexual orientation.