New Philosophical Essays on Love and Loving

A collection of new philosophical essays on love by international scholars explores whether love is arational, the kinds of love, its relationship to nationalism and patriotism, and its significance in understanding others and the world. Key philosophers discussed include Immanuel Kant, Iris Murdoch, Bernard Williams, Harry Frankfurt, J. David Velleman, Niko Kolodny, Thomas Hurka, Bennett Helm, Alfred Mele, and Derk Pereboom. The essays also touch on the treatment of love in literature and popular culture.

Format: Hardback
Length: 322 pages
Publication date: 21 September 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Love, a profound and complex emotion, has been the subject of extensive philosophical exploration by a diverse group of international scholars. In their insightful essays, these scholars delve into the ongoing debate surrounding the nature of love, exploring whether it is arational or if there are rational grounds for its existence. They also examine the diverse forms of love that exist between humans, artificial intelligences, non-human animals, and the broader world.

One of the central questions addressed in these essays is whether love can differentiate between nationalism and patriotism. Scholars argue that love, characterized by empathy, compassion, and a commitment to the well-being of others, can foster a sense of unity and belonging beyond national boundaries. Love, they suggest, can promote a more inclusive and harmonious global community.

Another intriguing aspect explored is whether love is a necessary component of genuine empathy and understanding. Some philosophers argue that love enables us to see others as individuals with their own unique perspectives and experiences, rather than mere objects or subjects. Love, they suggest, can foster a deeper connection and a more profound appreciation of the world around us.

However, these essays also raise important questions about the fragility of love in a deterministic world. Some philosophers argue that love, like free will, may be susceptible to external factors and influences, making it vulnerable to destruction or manipulation. They question whether love can survive in a world where everything is predetermined by causal chains and natural laws.

Furthermore, the essays explore the ethical implications of love, examining whether it is inherently good or if it can be a force opposed to morality. Some scholars argue that love can be corrupted by power, greed, or other negative emotions, leading to harm and destruction. Others argue that love can be a source of immense joy, compassion, and moral growth, promoting the well-being of individuals and society as a whole.

Key philosophers who have contributed to the debate on love include Immanuel Kant, Iris Murdoch, Bernard Williams, Harry Frankfurt, J. David Velleman, Niko Kolodny, Thomas Hurka, Bennett Helm, Alfred Mele, and Derk Pereboom. These scholars have explored various aspects of love, including its rational basis, its diverse forms, its relationship to nationalism and patriotism, its role in empathy and understanding, its fragility in a deterministic world, and its ethical implications.

The essays also touch on the treatment of love in literature and popular culture, from Graham Greene's The End of the Affair to Spike Jonze's movie Her. These works serve as valuable examples of how love has been portrayed and interpreted across different mediums, highlighting the complexities and nuances of this profound emotion.

In conclusion, the collection of philosophical essays on love presented here offers a comprehensive exploration of this complex and multifaceted emotion. By examining the rational grounds for love, its diverse forms, its relationship to other emotions and values, and its ethical implications, these scholars provide valuable insights into the nature of love and its potential to shape our understanding of the world and our place in it.

Weight: 565g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030723231
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021