Over the past few decades, consent has come to bear almost the entire burden of sexual ethics. Today, it seems to mark the boundary between “good” sex and violence, and increasingly, we expect it to coincide with desire itself. But is consent really a self-evident concept? Can sexuality truly be deciphered in every gesture and intention? What if the very opacity of desire were the starting point for rethinking responsibility and care?

Drawing on queer reinterpretations of psychoanalysis, from Leo Bersani to Avgi Saketopoulou, Manon Garcia’s feminist philosophy, and aftercare practices within BDSM communities, the seminar will critically examine the relationships between consent and desire, transparency and risk, limits and care.

Speaker: Elena Ascione, MA in Philosophical Sciences, Strategic Communications and Advocacy Lead at The Pleasure Project.

Discussant: Irene Villa, Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Toronto.

22 January 2027
12:30–14:30
Seminar Room 2 (Room 2.02), 2nd floor, Palazzo di Lettere

Online participation will be possible upon request by registering through the following link:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/0xukJ8nwuH