Sob o libertino, o perverso

Sade contra a noção moderna de perversão

Abstract

This text investigates the relationship between the modern concept of perversion and the literature of the Marquis de Sade. We intend to show that this author played a central role in the constitution of the concept of perversion. To this end, we will briefly contextualize the concept of perversion; then we will present the aspects of the Marquis de Sade's literature and thought that are opposed to the social project of the time and, finally, his relationship with 19th century psychiatry. Through a bibliographical path, we argue in favor of the political character of the practice of medicine in relation to perversion, while at the same time maintaining that Sade's literature is fundamental for thinking about aspects of the human being that have been left aside by philosophical research.