The Philosophy of Romantic Love

Introduction

• Main Questions:
  • Do we need romantic love?
  • What purpose does romantic love serve?
• Context:
  • Neither science nor psychology has definitive answers.
  • Various philosophers throughout history have proposed theories.

Theories on Romantic Love

Plato's View

• Concept: Love makes us whole again.
• Story in "Symposium":
  • Humans were once beings with two faces, four arms, four legs.
  • Angered the gods, resulting in Zeus splitting them in two.
  • Love is the quest to find our "other half" to become complete.

Arthur Schopenhauer's Perspective

• Concept: Love is an illusion driven by sexual desire.
• Belief:
  • Love tricks us into procreation.
  • Fulfillment of desires leads us back to a state of discontent.
  • Love perpetuates human existence.

Bertrand Russell's Theory

• Concept: Love as an escape from loneliness.
• Ideas:
  • Physical and psychological desires.
  • Love helps break out of isolation.
  • Provides intimacy and warmth, enriching life.
  • Essential to make life enjoyable.

Buddha's Perspective

• Concept: Love is a misleading affliction.
• Beliefs:
  • Desire and attachments cause suffering.
  • Eightfold Path offers a way to transcend these desires.
• Example:
  • "Dream of the Red Chamber" depicts the tragic nature of romantic attachments.

Simone de Beauvoir's Proposal

• Concept: Love helps us reach beyond ourselves.
• Ideas:
  • Traditional romantic love can lead to dependence and power struggles.
  • Advocates authentic love resembling deep friendship.
  • Encourages mutual support for self-discovery and life enrichment.

Conclusion

• Romantic Love:
  • An emotional journey with potential for both suffering and joy.
  • Can lead to self-discovery or loss.
• Invitation:
  • The complexity and excitement of love urge individuals to explore its potential.