Episode #187: Dr. Holly Lawford-Smith

In Episode #187, philosopher Dr. Holly Lawford-Smith joins Osi to discuss her book Is It Wrong to Buy Sex? (Little Debates about Big Questions). They explore whether purchasing sex is inherently wrong, examining the ethical frameworks that shape differing views on the subject. The discussion also addresses the societal impact of legalizing or prohibiting sex work, weighing how each approach influences individuals and communities. Additionally, they delve into the complexities of consent within commercial sex and whether it reinforces harmful power dynamics. Holly Lawford-Smith is an Associate Professor in Political Philosophy in the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies at the University of Melbourne. She is also a Visiting Academic in the School of Law at the University of Reading and a Network Member of the Open University Gender Critical Research Network. Holly serves on the Editorial Boards of Political Philosophy, Journal of Applied Philosophy, and the Journal of Controversial Ideas. She is a member of Genspect’s Killarney Group Think Tank, a monthly columnist at Quillette, and a Featured Author at Fairer Disputations.