A Problem in Greek Ethics Being an Inquiry Into the Phenomenon of Sexual Inversion Addressed Especially to Medical Psychologists and Jurists
Title
A Problem in Greek Ethics Being an Inquiry Into the Phenomenon of Sexual Inversion Addressed Especially to Medical Psychologists and Jurists
Subject
A study of Greek Love and the institution of paiderastia.
Description
'A Problem in Greek Ethics' was originally printed privately in 1883 with only ten copies. After reading M. H. E. Meier and Sir Richard Burton, Symonds was able to expand his original work to finalize his North Hellenic origin of Greek Love theory. He reprinted his work with a hundred copies this time.
Creator
John Addington Symonds
Source
Cornell University Library
Publisher
Privately published in London.
Date
1901
Rights
No known copyrights.
Text
I.
For the student of sexual inversion, ancient Greece offers a wide field for observation and reflection. Its importance has hitherto been underrated by medical and legal writers on the subject, who do not seem to be aware that here alone in history have we the example of a great and highly-developed race not only tolerating homosexual passions, but deeming them of spiritual value, and attempting to utilise them for the benefit of society. Here, also, through the copious stores of literature at our disposal, we can arrive at something definite regarding the various forms assumed by these passions, when allowed free scope for development in the midst of a refined and intellectual civilisation. What the Greeks called paiderastia, or boy-love, was a phenomenon of one of the most brilliant periods of human culture, in one of the most highly organised and nobly active nations. It is the feature by which Greek social life is most sharply distinguished from that of any other people approaching the Hellenes in moral or mental distinction. To trace the history of so remarkable a custom in their several communities, and to ascertain, so far as this is possible, the ethical feeling of the Greeks upon this subject, must be of service to the scientific psychologist. It enables him to approach the subject from another point of view than that usually adopted by modern jurists, psychiatrists, writers on forensic medicine.
Original Format
paper
Files
Citation
John Addington Symonds, “A Problem in Greek Ethics Being an Inquiry Into the Phenomenon of Sexual Inversion Addressed Especially to Medical Psychologists and Jurists,” Victorian Queer Archive, accessed April 19, 2024, https://victorianqueerarchive.omeka.net/items/show/80.