The Mismeasure of Desire The Science, Theory, and Ethics of Sexual Orientation [Paperback]

In recent years scientific research and popular opinion have favored the idea that sexual orientations are determined at birth. In this book, philosopher and legal theorist Edward Stein investigates scientific research on sexual orientation and shows that it is deeply flawed. He argues that this research assumes a picture of sexual desire that reflects unquestioned cultural stereotypes rather than cross-cultural scientific facts, and that it suffers from serious methodological problems. He then asks whether sexual orientation is amenable to empirical study and if it is useful for our understanding of human nature to categorize people based on their sexual desires. Perhaps most importantly, Stein examines some of the ethical issues surrounding such research, including gay and lesbian civil rights and the implications of parents trying to select or change the sexual orientation of their children.

Preface
Introduction
Part I: Metaphysics
1. Sex, Gender, and Sexual Orientation
2. What Is a Sexual Orientation?
3. Human Kinds
4. Essentialism and Constructionism about Sexual Orientation
Part II: Science
5. The Emerging Scientific Program for the Study of Sexual Orientation
6. Animal Models and Evolutionary Accounts in the Emerging Research Program
7. Critique of the Emerging Research Program
8. Experiential Theories of Sexual Orientation
9. Sexual Orientation and Choice
Part III: Ethics
10. Lesbian and Gay Rights and the Science of Sexual Orientation
11. Selecting and Changing the Sexual Orientation of Children
12. Should Scientific Research on Sexual Orientation Be Done?
Conclusion
Notes
Bibliography
Index

In a refreshingly daring work, Stein raises metaphysical, methodological and ethical questions that challenge all sides of the debate with an eye toward reevaluating previous studies and developing new criteria for future research. --Publishers Weekly

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