Originally Posted by punkworld

Studying philosophy has attended me to the fact that prostitution is fully compatible with Kant's second formulation of the categorical imperative (always treat others not only as means to an end but also as ends in themselves - making use of prostitution satisfies this by respecting the prostitute's choice to make money, and thus treats her as an autonomous, rational actor). Since that is the only moral principle which has a relatively strong intuitive basis, it is necessary to conclude that prostitution is not immoral.

Considering the entire lack of a foundation for social and cultural customs and norms, I see no reason to accept these. Therefore, allowing them to limit desires and pleasure would be entirely irrational - not to mention quite annoying. Without the limitations of common morality and religion (which I consider to be absurd, and will not discuss), only life philosophies that advocate enjoying a maximum amount of pleasure hold up.

While straight hedonism ignores the fact that there are many other forms of pleasure than direct (physical) pleasure, physical pleasure is undoubtedly an important part of the pleasure one can enjoy in life, with sexual pleasure quite possibly being the most satisfying form of physical pleasure there is. Moreover, with a slight bit of moderation, using physical pleasure as one of the shaping elements of one's life does not prevent one from enjoying other forms of pleasure as well. For example, it is perfectly possible to enjoy a nice meal with a good glass of wine and a pleasant conversation, the services of a woman of loose morals, as well as a few dozen pages of Crime and Punishment, all on the same evening.

Looking at the limitations traditional relationships place on one's life, as well as the gargantuan effort it would take (in terms of time spent "dating") and problems it would cause (in terms of "why didn't you call me back?") to sleep with several unpaid, attractive women a week, as well as the undeniable attraction of sleeping with lots of different women, adding some professionals to the mix only seems logical.