Abstract

How can we understand the rich and puzzling variety of different sexual desires, ranging from that associated only with exclusive monogamy, through fetishes to the extremes of addiction and desire linked to violence? There is also the phenomenon termed ‘asexuality’: people feeling sexual arousal and a capacity for pleasure but no associated desire directed towards another individual. Some people report sexual disgust. Recent advances in psychology and neuroscience allow the beginnings of an understanding of such a spectrum of tastes in terms of how a few simple processes of the brain/mind can combine in a variety of different ways. Research into the brain’s chemical messengers is also yielding some crucial insights. The event is free but booking in advance is required.

See more at: www.festivalofideas.cam.ac.uk/events/how-sexual-desire-works#sthash.