F. M. Christensen’s critique of "sexual harassment"

Abstract

The topic of this thesis is based on the extraordinary view of F.M. Christensen that the notion of sexual harassment must be eliminated. This thesis includes three parts. To examine this concept the author decided to analyze other philosopher’s points of view. Thus, in the first part definitions of sexual harassment by Catherine MacKinnon, Anita Superson, John Hughes and Larry May, Edmund Wall, Nancy Davis and F.M. Christensen are analyzed. An analysis based on Margaret Crouch revealed, inter alia, that the weakness of their views is based on the fact that most of them are feministic and related to harm only towards women. At the end of each paragraph the author gives analysis of the view accompanying with her examples and opinion. In the second part the author describes Christensen’s point of view and expresses her own opinion about his theory. Christensen denies that sexual harassment is violation, discrimination and serious societal problem. He claims that sexual harassment is too far-fetched notion which does not bring real harm as murder does, for instance. Christensen argues that sexual harassment discriminates women, because he considers this position egoistic. The third part is dedicated to distinctions between views of mentioned philosophers. The author tries to find the arguments of Crouch, Cornell, Superson and MacKinnon on Christensen’s views. This paper ends with conclusion where the author to a considerable extent expresses her agreement with Christensen.