When Classicists Need to Speak Up

Antiquity and Present Day Pedophilia – Pederasty

Abstract

Abstract: This paper demonstrates that one should not necessarily make sharp distinctions between the constructionist and the essentialist view concerning the question of boy love in Antiquity. It is possible to combine bothapproaches to come to a better understanding of both the past and the present. The author reveals how the practice of pederasty highlights vital ancient concepts about children, which should always be borne in mind when one compares with modern society. This, however, does not mean that antiquity can be used to make a straightforward plea for the acceptance of what we commonly call pedophile relationships. On the other hand, ancient historians should not be restrained from calling attention to ambiguities or inconsistencies in present-day understandings of childhood and children’s sexuality. As such, the study of ancient sexuality forces us to consider whether it is possible to think in another way than we think and to perceive in another way than we are used to perceive.