[SydPhil] Wollongong Research Seminar 14/5/08

[Richard Menary]

The University of Wollongong Philosophy Research Seminar

Held in the CAPSTRANS Seminar Room 1003 (Building 19, Arts) on Wednesdays at
17.30, all are welcome.

14th May 2008 Dr. Sarah Sorial (Macquarie)

Reality, Representation and Imitation: Pornography and the subordination of
women

 

Abstract

 

In this paper, I argue that while a convincing case can be made for the
claim that pornography causes harm to women, the MacKinnon/Vadas position
that pornography constitutes the subordination of women on account of its
non-representational aspect is indefensible. It mischaracterizes the nature
of pornography and how it functions, fails to adequately explain why
pornography's alleged ability to satisfy sexual desire results in a prima
facie harm to women, and has politically damaging implications for women.
Using recent research on imitation in the cognitive sciences, together with
Susan Hurley's work on imitation and media violence, I offer a different
account of the relation between pornography and harm that takes into account
pornography's ubiquity in mainstream culture, and more problematically, its
accessibility to children and young people, as facilitated by new media
technologies. 

 

 

With best wishes, 

Richard 

Dr. Richard Menary 
Lecturer in Philosophy and Research Seminar Convenor 
The University of Wollongong

Personal <http://www.uow.edu.au/arts/selpl/philosophy/UOW025977.html>
Webpage

Book:
Cognitive Integration Available from: Palgrave
<http://www.palgrave.com/products/title.aspx?PID=275285>  Macmillan and
Amazon
<http://www.amazon.com/Cognitive-Integration-Mind-Cognition-Unbounded/dp/140
398977X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-0660778-1972653?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1190152573&s
r=8-1> 

 

 

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