Philosophy

Philosophy

Philosophy of Love refers to the attempt in trying to explain what is love in the fields of social philosophy and ethics.

Love is an emotion that we are constantly seeking for an explanation. Despite us not knowing what it really is, it is the most potent emotion a human being can experience. It can either inspire greatness in a lover or make one act like a fool. It can be the greatest feeling in the world, but when it does not work out, it can turns out to be utterly devastating.

The word ‘love’ can be used as an expression of affection towards someone or it can also be used as an expression to express pleasure, for example, ‘I love ice cream’. Love is also able to express a human virtue that is based on compassion, affection and kindness. This is a state of being, which has nothing to do, with anything or anybody other than our own self. It is the purest form of love.

There are 7 Greek terms used to define the different states of love since ancient times. They are:

Storge: Natural affection, it is the love that one share with their family.

Philia: It is the love that one has for friends.

Eros: Sexual and erotic desire kind of love, it can be either positively or negatively.

Agape: This is the unconditional love, also known as divine love.

Ludus: It is a playful love that is associated with flirting or childish love.

Pragma: It refers to long-standing love, a love normally found in married couples.

Philautia: The love of the self. It can be either positively or negatively.

Each state of love refers to different kind of feelings. Therefore, the love one feels for his/her partner is not the same as the love one has for the mother. Love for one’s partner can and will changes in time too. Humans are also built in a way that we feel different emotions for different situations and people.