Mini Philosophy (Extra): Having sex with animals

Hello everybody,

This week, a rather strange debate has reignited because a very famous philosopher, Peter Singer at Princeton University, has come out telling people to read a certain paper. A paper that argues certain types of sex with certain animals are permissible It must be noted that Singer has not endorsed the article. Singer is a founding co-editor of the journal and has explicitly said that promotion or publication does not mean he agrees with it. (Although his public response was oddly ambiguous.)

So, this week we look at the argument being made and ask: Should philosophy sometimes take a look at itself?

All best,

Jonny

PS: This is, necessarily, a little risqué in parts. So do skip if taboos aren’t your thing.

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You might want to put down your coffee and finish your cornflakes; this thought experiment isn’t for everyone. It comes to us from a recent paper published in the Journal of Controversial Ideas by the pseudonymous philosopher, Fira Bensto, and is about Alice and her dog.

“Alice self-describes as being in a romantic relationship with her dog. She cares a lot about his well-being and strives to ensure that his needs are fulfilled. They often sleep together; he likes to be caressed, and she finds it pleasant to gently rub