Lovers in Essence: A Kierkegaardian Defense of Romantic Love

Romantic love is a central phenomenon in human existence, explored through the philosophy of Søren Kierkegaard by Sharon Krishek. She argues that love is a correspondence between essences, and that it is a moral phenomenon that responds to the individual essence of others. Krishek contends that romantic love has important implications for the moral and spiritual value of love.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 16 August 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Romantic love is a captivating phenomenon that permeates the fabric of human existence, captivating the interests of literature, art, popular culture, and psychology alike. However, the essence of romantic love remains a subject of profound exploration and debate. In her groundbreaking work, Sharon Krishek delves into the depths of romantic love, employing the philosophy of Søren Kierkegaard to defend it as a moral phenomenon. Through a profound connection between love and selfhood, Krishek elucidates the concept of individuality, emphasizing that to be a self is to possess a unique essence. She argues that when we love, we regard individuals by their names, responding to their authentic selves. Thus, love becomes a profound correspondence between essences, where Jane Eyre's love for Edward Rochester is a response to his inherent being, rooted in her own distinct individuality.

The implications of this conception of being correspondingly are far-reaching, touching upon the moral and spiritual value of romantic love. Krishek embarks on a thoughtful exploration of these implications, drawing upon Kierkegaard's insightful analysis of the self, faith, and love. While sometimes deviating from Kierkegaard's explicit positions, Krishek constructs romantic love as a desirable phenomenon, encompassing emotional, moral, and spiritual dimensions. She argues that romantic love can foster personal growth, deepen empathy, and cultivate a profound sense of connection and fulfillment.

Krishek's work sheds light on the complexities of romantic love, challenging traditional notions and offering a fresh perspective on its significance in human life. Through her meticulous scholarship and thoughtful analysis, she provides a compelling defense of romantic love as a moral phenomenon, urging us to embrace its transformative power and recognize its profound impact on our emotional, moral, and spiritual well-being.

Weight: 414g
Dimension: 217 x 145 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197500903