Problem in Modern Ethics

Published anonymously in the late 19th century, 'Problem in Modern Ethics' by John Addington Symonds critiques the societal and legal definitions of homosexuality during the Victorian era. Symonds argues against the stigmatization of same-sex love, advocating for humane values amidst the oppressive frameworks of religion and emerging scientific theories. The essay reflects on the poetry of Walt Whitman and envisions a future where mutual passions are accepted rather than criminalized, highlighting the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community in his time.















