Libido sexualis and libido dominandi as Unfailing Concepts for Contemporary Political Philosophy: Implications of Augustine's Thought
Abstract
Augustine's concepts of libido sexualis and libido dominandi are widely researched but not often considered in conjunction with each other. This article suggests that there is a particular connection between these terms.
First, among the libidines, only sexual libido and libido for domination are absolutely evil. This evil consists in disobedience as an end in itself, which is to be found in genital arousal towards orgasmic pleasure and in the social inequality of any political order.
Second, there is an interconnection between sexual and social love. These findings result in an interpretative conclusion, namely that - given the prelapsarian inner sexual order and equal bonding - any political order of worldly society is dependent on the unconditional restriction of sexual libido.
In Augustine's view, the demand of individual sexual morality derives from the structure of society. The relevant objection that sexual restrictions are a matter precisely of political disorders is discussed.
Addressing this objection implies that it is possible to engage with Augustine's thought within the framework of a modern phenomenon such as totalitarianism.