A PROBLEM IN MODERN ETHICS

"A Problem in Modern Ethics" by John Addington Symonds is a pioneering work that critically examines the subject of homosexuality from a historical, scientific, and ethical perspective. Written in the late 19th century, this essay is one of the earliest attempts to discuss same-sex love in a scholarly and sympathetic manner. Symonds courageously addresses the social, legal, and medical views of homosexuality in his time, challenging prevailing prejudices and advocating for a more humane understanding of the issue. He draws on examples from history, literature, and contemporary society to argue for the decriminalization and moral acceptance of same-sex relationships. The work is not only a scholarly analysis but also a personal manifesto, reflecting Symonds' own struggles and his plea for greater tolerance and compassion. "A Problem in Modern Ethics" is a seminal text in the history of LGBTQ+ rights and remains a powerful call for social justice and human dignity.