Ars Erotica: Sex and Somaesthetics in the Classical Arts of Love

Description

The term ars erotica refers to the styles and techniques of lovemaking with the honorific title of art. But in what sense are these practices artistic and how do they contribute to the aesthetics and ethics of self-cultivation in the art of living? In this book, Richard Shusterman offers a critical, comparative analysis of the erotic theories proposed by the most influential premodern cultural traditions that shaped our contemporary world. Beginning with ancient Greece, whose god of desiring love gave eroticism its name, Shusterman examines the Judaeo-Christian biblical tradition and the classical erotic theories of Chinese, Indian, Islamic, and Japanese cultures, before concluding with medieval and Renaissance Europe. His exploration of their errors and insights shows how we could improve the quality of life and love today. By using the engine of eros to cultivate qualities of sensitivity, grace, skill, and self-mastery, we can reimagine a richer, more positive vision of sex education. 03.0_pp_iv_iv_Copyright_page 04.0_pp_v_vi_Dedication 05.0_pp_vii_viii_Contents 06.0_pp_ix_xii_Preface 07.0_pp_xiii_xvi_Abbreviations 08.0_pp_1_29_Ars_Erotica_and_the_Question_of_Aesthetics 09.0_pp_30_97_Dialectics_of_Desire_and_Virtue 10.0_pp_98_149_The_Biblical_Tradition 11.0_pp_150_201_Chinese_Qi_Erotics 12.0_pp_202_249_Lovemaking_as_Aesthetic_Education 13.0_pp_250_287_Fragrance_Veils_and_Violence 14.0_pp_288_314_From_Romantic_Refinement_to_Courtesan_Connoisseurship 15.0_pp_315_396_Commingling_Complexity_and_Conflict 16.0_pp_397_409_Bibliography 17.0_pp_410_420_Index