Seemingly biological issues can have profoundly social dimensions, says philosopher Patricia Marino, using the example of drugs meant to induce sexual desire.

“The market tended to be women in long-term monogamous relationships who have lost the feeling of lust,” she says. “Perhaps it is wrong to label this as dysfunction, but on the other hand, some women describe longing to experience lustful intensity.”

Dr. Marino, a professor of philosophy at the University of Waterloo, will explore this and other topics in a free public lecture entitled “Science, Sex, and the Search for a Female Viagra” Friday, March 9, at 4:30 p.m. in McPherson Lounge, Alumni Hall.

It is the keynote address of “Critical Reflections,” the undergraduate and graduate philosophy conference. The conference runs all day March 9 and 10, with presentations Friday by undergraduate students and Saturday by graduate students.

Admission is free and open to the campus community.