How Do Philosophers Define Love?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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For the philosopher, the question “what is love?” generates a host of issues: love is an abstract noun which

means for some it is a word unattached to anything real or sensible, that is all

; for others, it is a means by which our being—our self and its world—are irrevocably affected once we are ‘touched by love’; some …

What is Plato’s theory of love?

Platonic love

What is love according to Socrates?

Socrates states that, “

Love is the conciousness of a need for a good not yet acquired or possessed

.” In other words we want what we do not have, and at times cannot have. Love for Socrates is a superficial occurrence and only based on the things in life that seem to be pleasing to the eye.

What are the essential characteristics of love in philosophy?

The same thesis develops in the doctrine of love-friendship of Aristotle (see Friendship), for which, as well as for Xenophon’s Socrates, it was essential to show that real love rests on

reciprocity, benevolence, trust, caring, striving for virtue and perfection

.

How does Aristotle define love?

Aristotle continues (1380b36-81a1): “Let ‘loving’ [to philein]

be wishing for someone the things that he deems good, for the sake of that person and not oneself, and the accomplishment of these things to the best of one’s ability

”.

What did Plato say about soulmates?

According to Plato ‘Symposium’, “Love is a desire for beauty – a value that transcends the particularities of the physical body.” Plato’s idea about soulmates is “

[Each] one longed for its other half, and so they would throw their arms about each other, weaving themselves together, wanting to grow together

.” As per …

What are the main points of Diotima’s message to Socrates?

Diotima has Socrates agree that

everyone always wants good things and happiness to be theirs forever

. In that case, everyone would be a lover, but we only call certain people lovers.

What is the highest form of love?


Philia

is the highest form of love because it is a two-way road, unlike eros and agape.

What are the 4 types of love?

  • Eros: erotic, passionate love. We might as well get that one out of the way first. …
  • Philia: love of friends and equals. …
  • Storge: love of parents for children. …
  • Agape: love of mankind.

What are the 7 Greek love words?

  1. Eros: romantic, passionate love. …
  2. Philia: intimate, authentic friendship. …
  3. Ludus: playful, flirtatious love. …
  4. Storge: unconditional, familial love. …
  5. Philautia: self-love. …
  6. Pragma: committed, companionate love. …
  7. Agápe: empathetic, universal love.

How do we define love?

Some possible definitions of love include:

A willingness to prioritize another’s well-being or happiness above your own

. Extreme feelings of attachment, affection, and need. Dramatic, sudden feelings of attraction and respect. A fleeting emotion of care, affection, and like.

What is the deepest meaning of love?

It is time to change the meaning of the word “love.” The word is mostly used according to the first definition given in the dictionary: “

an intense feeling of deep affection

.” In other words, love is what one feels. … Love should be seen not as a feeling but as an enacted emotion. To love is to feel and act lovingly.

Who is the father of philosophy?


Socrates

is known as the “Father of Western Philosophy.

How do you recognize your soul mate?

  1. You just know it. …
  2. They’re your best friend. …
  3. You feel a sense of calm when around them. …
  4. You have extreme empathy for them. …
  5. You respect each other. …
  6. You balance each other out. …
  7. You agree about the important things. …
  8. You share the same life goals.

What happens when you see your soul mate?

Thus, when you meet your soulmate, you have found

someone who balances you, makes you happy, understands you, and wants you just as much as you want them

. They also happen to, directly and indirectly, affect your relationship with others. You become social, approachable, and better at connecting to people.

What did Aristotle disagree with Plato about?

Aristotle rejected Plato’s

theory of Forms

Leah Jackson
Author
Leah Jackson
Leah is a relationship coach with over 10 years of experience working with couples and individuals to improve their relationships. She holds a degree in psychology and has trained with leading relationship experts such as John Gottman and Esther Perel. Leah is passionate about helping people build strong, healthy relationships and providing practical advice to overcome common relationship challenges.