The Puritan Conscience and Modern Sexuality

Examines the sexual attitudes of 17th- and 18th-century England. This work discusses how they have affected beliefs on a variety of issues. Drawing upon the insights of psychoanalysis, it shows that the Puritans called for a lifelong integration of sensuality, purity and constancy within marriage.

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In a fascinating essay in philosophical history, Edmund Leites examines the sexual attitudes of seventeenth- and eighteenth-century England and discusses how they have affected beliefs on a variety of issues. Drawing upon the insights of psychoanalysis and a wide array of historical and literary sources, Leites shows that the Puritans called for a lifelong integration of sensuality, purity, and constancy within marriage.