the psychiatrist and medical historian vernon rosario accused levay of biological determinism and reductionism. in "the mismeasure of desire" (1999), the philosopher edward stein criticized levay for failing to discuss social constructionism, despite its relevance to his topic. in the "british journal for the philosophy of science", the philosopher michael ruse described the book as a scientifically well known work. "the sexual brain" was also discussed by the psychologist elizabeth a. wilson in "substance". the anthropologist melvin konner described "the sexual brain" as a good introduction to the biology of gender and a useful guide for understanding the neuroscience of sexual arousal and associated behaviors. louis a. berman criticized levay for minimizing the role of experience in becoming an effective male partner in heterosexual intercourse. "kirkus reviews" wrote in 2010 that "the sexual brain" was "well received, but soon out of date" because of subsequent scientific research.