The Ethics of Pedophilia

The Ethics of Pedophilia  —  From Ethicist Ole Martin Moen, University of Oslo, Centre for the Study of Mind in Nature: “Pedophilia is bad. But how bad is it? And in what ways, and for what reasons, is it bad? This is a thorny issue, and sadly, one seldom discussed by ethicists. I argue in this article that pedophilia is bad only because, and only to the extent that, it causes harm to children, and that pedophilia itself, as well as pedophilic expressions and practices that do not cause harm to children, are morally all right.”  Ethicists sometimes explore controversial issues.  (See the works of Peter Singer.)  This journal article may be instrumental in helping students assess the current ethical landscape.