Concupiscence - Philosophical Concept | Alexandria
Concupiscence, a term often equated with mere lust or sexual desire, is in fact a far more complex and nuanced concept, gesturing towards the inherent human inclination toward desire and the struggle to reconcile it with reason and virtue. Is it simply base instinct, or does it point to a deeper longing within us?
References to the concept predate the Common Era, appearing implicitly in ancient Greek philosophical discussions of appetite and reason as illustrated over and over again in the works of Plato and Aristotle, but it was particularly elaborated upon by Church Fathers like St. Augustine of Hippo, especially in his Confessions (c. 397-400 AD). Augustine grappled intensely with his own desires, framing them as a consequence of original sin, a wound to human nature that distorts our will. This understanding shaped much of Western theological and philosophical discourse regarding morality, free will—determinism—compatibilism—hard determinism—soft determinism—moral psychology—intuition pump—experimental philosophy—thought experiment ethics—game theory and ethics in particular: ethical paradox—paradox of hedonism—trolley dilemma. These ideas emerged against the backdrop of the declining Roman Empire, a period marked by both great intellectual ferment and social upheaval, a context that made questions of human nature and moral responsibility all the more urgent in the Western philosophical tradition.
Over the centuries, interpretations of concupiscence have varied, reflecting shifting cultural attitudes toward sexuality and morality. From the medieval emphasis on asceticism, where the suppression of desire was seen as a path to spiritual purity, to the Renaissance rediscovery of classical philosophies, which offered alternate views on human nature, the concept has been the subject of ongoing debate. The Reformation, led by figures like Martin Luther and John Calvin, further challenged established doctrines, emphasizing the pervasive impact of sin on human agency and will. This period also saw the rise of humanism, which celebrated human potential while acknowledging inherent limitations. Intriguingly, the rise of scientific thought in the Enlightenment did not diminish the topic, instead opening new avenues for exploring the biological and psychological underpinnings of desire – and how this fits in to our concept of virtue ethics. Even as psychoanalysis emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries, figures like Sigmund Freud explored the unconscious drives shaping human behavior, adding another layer of complexity to our understanding of concupiscence. This evolution raises complex issues about subjective morality and objective morality.
Today, concupiscence continues to resonate in discussions about ethics, moral luck, responsibility paradox, and moral agency across a wide spectrum of social issues. From debates about consumerism and social media's influence and moral imperatives to issues of justice and fairness, the tension between our desires and our aspirations for a better world remains ever-present. How we understand and manage these competing forces shapes our individual lives and the broader culture we inhabit. Perhaps the most enduring aspect of concupiscence is its ability to provoke self-reflection. Can we truly understand ourselves without acknowledging the powerful currents of desire that shape our thoughts and actions—and how do we construct ethics in the face of it?