Courtesan value comes from recognized singularity while prostitute value is generic

Evidence

There are many degrees between the common prostitute and the grand hetaera. The main difference is that the former trades in her pure generality, so that competition keeps her at a miserable level of living, while the latter tries to be recognized in her singularity: if she succeeds, she can aspire to a lofty future. Beauty, charm, and sex appeal are necessary for this, but they are not sufficient: the woman must be considered distinguished. Her value will often be revealed through a man’s desire: but she will be “launched” only when the man declares her price to the eyes of the world. In the last century, it was the town house, carriage and pair, and pearls that proved the influence of the cocotte on her protector and that raised her to the rank of demimondaine; her worth was confirmed as long as men continued to ruin themselves for her. … The most recent incarnation of the hetaera is the movie star. Flanked by her husband or serious male friend—rigorously required by Hollywood—she is no less related to Phryne, Imperia, or Casque d’Or. She delivers Woman to the dreams of men who give her fortune and glory in exchange. — Simone de Beauvoir, The Second Sex, 1681

Categorization

• DEFINE: Distinguishes prostitute (pure generality) from hetaera (singularity, launched by a man’s declared price) — core analytical apparatus.
• XREF: The singularity-recognition dynamic parallels Sartre’s for-itself/being-for-others structures; also echoes the Hegelian master-slave recognition described in earlier chapters. — connects to: Marriage and prostitution differ only in price and contract length — Simone de Beauvoir, The Second Sex, 1646; Prostitution reduces sex to species-generic content matched by money — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 360; Individual uniqueness as a value denies equality rather than grounds it — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 690 (+2 more)
• SEED: Essay angle: how ‘being launched’ by external valuation still governs prestige economies today — from Hollywood stars to influencers whose worth is confirmed only while men/audiences continue to ‘ruin themselves’ for them.

Broader Connections

• Prostitution reduces sex to species-generic content matched by money #expands (0.85) — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 360
• Individual uniqueness as a value denies equality rather than grounds it #expands (0.80) — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 690
• A value grounded in being would destroy value and enslave the will #complicates (0.75)