RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 The harms of prostitution: critiquing Moen's argument of no-harm
JF Journal of Medical Ethics
JO J Med Ethics
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Institute of Medical Ethics
SP 86
OP 87
DO 10.1136/medethics-2012-101082
VO 40
IS 2
A1 Anna Westin
YR 2014
UL http://jme.bmj.com/content/40/2/86.abstract
AB In this short critical analysis, the author examines the recent argument by Moen in his article ‘Is Prostitution Harmful?' In highlighting why prostitution does not cause harm to either member involved in the act, Moen argues that prostitution is not an ethical concern. However, while Moen is able to clearly challenge contemporary objections to prostitution, the author of this review will suggest that Moen's argument is itself incomplete as it does not address essential key ontological issues. This critical analysis will briefly suggest why this omission weakens Moen's argument. Finally, it will conclude with examining why prostitution differs substantially from other professions through the type of harm that it causes to the moral agents involved.