The ethics of prostitution

Thanks Mel for opening this debate.

Mel started a thread about the ethics (or lack of ethics, depending on your opinion) of a "Sex Guide", perhaps in the form of a website offering information about where "sex tourists" can go to find prostitutes.

This leads to a complicated dilemma about the ethics of prostitution. Should such resources be readily available?

What do people think about prostitution - is it simply another business? Is it morally wrong? Is it an evil to be tolerated? Is a "Sex Tourist Guide" simply another business resource, or does it invite the exploitation of men and women (and let's face it, children) more easily?

I would say it kind of sad. Those whore-hoppers, I would say are getting themselves into self-destruction. And the prositutes themselves must have such low self-esteem that they choose for this "profession". I can not believe that prostitutes do their thing with a lot of fun, its rather because of the money. I think most prostitues must have some kind of mental problem. The other possibility is that they have been forced into doing what they do (by loverboys or whatever human rubbish). I personally would not get myself into visiting a prostitute. I think its morally wrong. But that is my opinion. Probably, there will be people that go to prostitues regularly (I would be amazed if someone would admit that), but not for me

The value of anything with a price tag, on it, is greatly reduced. By a price tag, I mean it can be bought for money, or services or an exchange. Money reduces the value, of something more than anything, because of the nature of money, in the modern world.

What parts of ourselves we consider worth placing a price tag on, is the decision every adult is entitled to make. Exchanging a part of ourselves, in return for money is a persuit of materialism. When we persue materialism, but not to the extent that it puts our lives out of balance, it will bring us waves of joy, peace and comfort. If we persue it, hoping it will bring us the happiness we do not have, it will increase our misery several fold.

When a person puts a price tag on too much of themselves, their lives go out of balance, and they are essentially a prostitute. Those who avail of what a prostitute offers, are exploiting the situation.

Is prostitution moral, in my opinion?
If a person is an adult prostitute, who has choosen freely to put this price tag on her/himself and the person exploiting the availability is also an adult, then it is not immoral, on the part of either of them.
If a person is forced to prostitute themselves or are a child(under 18), then the person exploiting the situaiton is behaving in an immoral way.
If the person who is exploiting the situation is under 18, then it is immoral of the prostitute, to sell services to this person.

I got the impression, that there would be more interest, in this topic.
Does anybody else have an opinion, to donate?

Quoting Mel.

Is prostitution moral, in my opinion?
If a person is an adult prostitute, who has choosen freely to put this price tag on her/himself and the person exploiting the availability is also an adult, then it is not immoral, on the part of either of them.
If a person is forced to prostitute themselves or are a child(under 18), then the person exploiting the situaiton is behaving in an immoral way.
If the person who is exploiting the situation is under 18, then it is immoral of the prostitute, to sell services to this person.

Im in agreement with Mel - if some one chooses to go into prostitution for whatever reason (who are we to make a judgement) that is their personal choice - there is obviously a demand in the market otherwise the need for prostitution would not exisit.

If a person is forced into prostitution due by unethical persons that is a totally different story and wrong. If it is a child (that is someone under the age of 18) that is just wrong and shouldnt be condoned at all.

Lets not forget that people trafficking is a huge problem all over the world today. A big part of the prostitutes are victims of trafficking. They get stuck in a system where they are forced into prostitution to "pay of their debt". So in my opinion it should be illegal to visit prostitutes.

By the way; today is freedom day. It is more slaves in the world today than it was 200 years ago when slavery was the backbone of Britains economy.

Quoting stinet

It is more slaves in the world today than it was 200 years ago when slavery was the backbone of Britains economy.

Wow!! That is incredible.
Is this an actual fact, or is it your opinion?
Would there be someplace on the internet, where I can read, about it. If so, would u provide a link?

It is indeed a very true fact. You can read more here; http://www.stopthetraffik.org. If you search the net you can find loads of info. People trafficking is the second largest illegal industry in the world after weapon. And is still growing fast!!!

Thanks Stinet.

I will read it.
I want to find out more, about what is going on in the world.

Mel

Quoting stinet

By the way; today is freedom day. It is more slaves in the world today than it was 200 years ago when slavery was the backbone of Britains economy.

Although, I do recognise, that people trafficing is a huge problem and prostitution is largely a sordid business, I see nothing in the link u gave me, that shows that there is more slavery, in the world today, than there was 200 years ago. If it is in there, and I did not see it, would u mind pointing me, to it.
I think around 60% of sex workers are doing it, unwillingly. Would u have any reports, which would agree with this, or give a different percentage? I am not looking to badger u, with this nit picking. I am just interested.

Mel