Dr. Sher
04/04/2018
Philosophy 325
Journal 7
Rousseau writes about sexual love and how it requires humans to create standards to
use them when choosing a partner. He first discusses the difference between sexual desire and
sexual love. According to him, sexual desire is an original trait that humans have possessed
since the beginning of mankind and consists of sexual activity that can be satisfied through
casual encounters with the opposite sex; no sexual relationship is involved in this. Sexual love is
different in that it requires a choice of a lover. This choice is dependent of comparison and
preference that an individual creates.
Rousseau believed that the standards one has for their sexual relationship partner is a
result of culture and social living. This would mean that sexual relationships did not begin until
humans settled down and began living together in communities.
Throughout civilization, humans have been known to unify in relationships, usually in
groups of two and form these bonds through marriage or other cultural partnerships. This has
put humans in a position of choice which results in the individual defining, whether consciously
or not, what their preferences are in a partner. The fact that both men and women have the
choice to choose their partner is unique to certain cultures and time periods, and in our society,
we have this option.
I believe that it is important for each individual person to set standards for the people
they choose to have sexual relationships with. One could argue that standards are placed on all
people one chooses to have a relationship with, such as friends, acquaintances, and even family
members. This is important to the well-being of the individual especially considering the fact
that certain people can be abusive to their sexual partners, whether it be emotionally,
physically, verbally, and so on, and this can create serious issues for the relationship and the
individual, as well. Yes, this certainly does create a society with jealousy, comparing one’s self
to others, and insecurities, but setting standards is necessary regardless. One has a choice to
feel these negative consequences, and if one chooses not to succumb to them, they can live a
more free life and not feel as if they are in a constant competition with everyone around them.
While these standards may create issues within the relationship, it is up to the two
people involved to maintain trust and security between one another. This will help the two not
to develop feelings of insufficiency. Rousseau also describes the notion that when two people
come together they lose their autonomy. While this may be true to some extent, many people
feel that losing this freedom is worth it because they are much happier being in their sexual
relationship. Overall, I think Rousseau was right about the majority of issues that arise within
sexual relationships, but to many people, they find a happiness they never imagined and gladly
give up their autonomy to be with their partner.
04/04/2018
Philosophy 325
Journal 7
Rousseau writes about sexual love and how it requires humans to create standards to
use them when choosing a partner. He first discusses the difference between sexual desire and
sexual love. According to him, sexual desire is an original trait that humans have possessed
since the beginning of mankind and consists of sexual activity that can be satisfied through
casual encounters with the opposite sex; no sexual relationship is involved in this. Sexual love is
different in that it requires a choice of a lover. This choice is dependent of comparison and
preference that an individual creates.
Rousseau believed that the standards one has for their sexual relationship partner is a
result of culture and social living. This would mean that sexual relationships did not begin until
humans settled down and began living together in communities.
Throughout civilization, humans have been known to unify in relationships, usually in
groups of two and form these bonds through marriage or other cultural partnerships. This has
put humans in a position of choice which results in the individual defining, whether consciously
or not, what their preferences are in a partner. The fact that both men and women have the
choice to choose their partner is unique to certain cultures and time periods, and in our society,
we have this option.
I believe that it is important for each individual person to set standards for the people
they choose to have sexual relationships with. One could argue that standards are placed on all
people one chooses to have a relationship with, such as friends, acquaintances, and even family
members. This is important to the well-being of the individual especially considering the fact
that certain people can be abusive to their sexual partners, whether it be emotionally,
physically, verbally, and so on, and this can create serious issues for the relationship and the
individual, as well. Yes, this certainly does create a society with jealousy, comparing one’s self
to others, and insecurities, but setting standards is necessary regardless. One has a choice to
feel these negative consequences, and if one chooses not to succumb to them, they can live a
more free life and not feel as if they are in a constant competition with everyone around them.
While these standards may create issues within the relationship, it is up to the two
people involved to maintain trust and security between one another. This will help the two not
to develop feelings of insufficiency. Rousseau also describes the notion that when two people
come together they lose their autonomy. While this may be true to some extent, many people
feel that losing this freedom is worth it because they are much happier being in their sexual
relationship. Overall, I think Rousseau was right about the majority of issues that arise within
sexual relationships, but to many people, they find a happiness they never imagined and gladly
give up their autonomy to be with their partner.
