The Moral Defense of Homosexuality: Why Every Argument against Gay Rights Fails

by Chris Meyers

Overview

Chris Meyers takes the reader on a careful, rational, sustained criticism of arguments about the immorality of homosexuality. Meyers refutes anti-gay arguments by showing that they are based on unreasonable or demonstrably false ideas about the nature of morality. Working through the morality arguments against homosexuality, Meyers shows how the nature of morality demands impartial, overriding reasons to act. He argues that morality is not grounded in visceral feelings of disgust, commands from the scriptures, or mysterious Platonic essences. In clear, convincing discussion, Meyers examines morality to promote the moral logic of granting rights to all people, no matter their sexual orientation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781442249318
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	05/14/2015
Pages:	258
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Chris Meyers is associate professor in the Philosophy and Religion Department at the University of Southern Mississippi. He teaches applied ethics and ethical theory. Meyers has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed professional philosophy journals. His first book, The Fetal Position (2010) analyzed the most prominent arguments on both sides of the abortion debate.

Table of Contents

Preface
1. Introduction
2. What is Morality?
3. Moral Theory and Divine Command
4. Destiny or Choice? Biology, Sexual Orientation, and Responsibility
5. Homosexuality and Morality I: The Natural Law Argument
6. Homosexuality and Morality II: The Teleological Argument & Moral Intuitionistism
7. Debunking Psychological Explanations for Disapproval of Homosexuality
8. Homosexuality, Consequences, and Justice I: Slippery Slope Arguments
9. Homosexuality, Consequences, and Justice II: Alleged Bad Consequences of Gay Tolerant Public Policies
10. Arguments in Favor of Homosexuality and Gay Rights

Editorial Reviews

Chris Meyers’ amazing book is not only a complete defense of homosexuality; it is also a comprehensive, deep, and competent introduction to ethical philosophy. This combination makes it an ideal book for both scholars and general readers interested in moral theory and its application.

Alan Soble

This is an informed and sensitive work that should be read by everyone. The author’s basic decency shone through again and again and is particularly admirable. Sometimes philosophical arguments are really important, and this is one of those times.

Michael Ruse

Meyers has written an important, timely study. The reasons are two. First, even with the Supreme Court ruling allowing same-sex marriage, arguments about LGBT rights continue. College campuses are no exception. Meyers uses logic in examining the issue, forcing readers to confront the fallacies in arguments against LGBT rights and promoting the logic of granting rights to all people, no matter their sexual orientation. His treatment will prompt thoughtful, non-emotional discussions. Second, this book is significant in terms of philosophy and logic. Students studying argumentation will find the book extremely helpful in learning to analyze and evaluate arguments from a logical perspective. And it will assist students in learning to avoid logical fallacies in their arguments. Valuable in GLBT studies, philosophy, classes in logic and argumentation, and the social sciences in general, the book is also just a good read. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers.

Choice Reviews

With clear and careful philosophical analyses, Meyers systematically debunks the leading arguments against gay rights. Buttressed with evidence from the sciences, this is a superb defense of the view that there is nothing wrong with homosexuality.

Andrew I. Cohen

Meyers has written an important, timely study.  The reasons are two.  First, even with the Supreme Court ruling allowing same-sex marriage, arguments about LGBT rights continue.  College campuses are no exception.  Meyers uses logic in examining the issue, forcing readers to confront the fallacies in arguments against LGBT rights and promoting the logic of granting rights to all people, no matter their sexual orientation.  His treatment will prompt thoughtful, non-emotional discussions.  Second, this book is significant in terms of philosophy and logic.  Students studying argumentation will find the book extremely helpful in learning to analyze and evaluate arguments from a logical perspective.  And it will assist students in learning to avoid logical fallacies in their arguments.  Valuable in GLBT studies, philosophy, classes in logic and argumentation, and the social sciences in general, the book is also just a good read. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers.

Choice

Meyers has written an important, timely study.  The reasons are two.  First, even with the Supreme Court ruling allowing same-sex marriage, arguments about LGBT rights continue.  College campuses are no exception.  Meyers uses logic in examining the issue, forcing readers to confront the fallacies in arguments against LGBT rights and promoting the logic of granting rights to all people, no matter their sexual orientation.  His treatment will prompt thoughtful, non-emotional discussions.  Second, this book is significant in terms of philosophy and logic.  Students studying argumentation will find the book extremely helpful in learning to analyze and evaluate arguments from a logical perspective.  And it will assist students in learning to avoid logical fallacies in their arguments.  Valuable in GLBT studies, philosophy, classes in logic and argumentation, and the social sciences in general, the book is also just a good read. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers.

CHOICE