In an age where sex-positivity and casual romantic experiences are on the rise, being vulnerable seems to be a dangerous place to be in. But on the contrary, Philosopher Sarah LaChance Adams argues it might be the very quality needed to experience pleasure. This article explores how intimacy blossoms through an atmosphere of respect, curiosity, and vulnerability – urging us to reveal ourselves in order to experience true pleasure.

Many of our philosophical and ethical conversations about love and sex are about consent and authority. When does yes really mean yes? When does no really mean no? What about situations in which one person clearly holds power over another? Who has the authority to say when consent is genuine?