The Philosophy of Love - Audio

The nature of royal weddings as very public declarations of love can cause us to reflect on love and partnership – and on 29th April 2011 when Prince William and Kate Middleton tied the knot, the royal couple took a vow that declared a commitment to love and cherish ‘til death do us part’. But what is ‘love’? What is it that makes us fall in love with someone and can we put a meaning on it? We’ve all experienced love, whether it is a friend, partner, family member, or a pet – but these are all very different kinds of love. So how do we define love when it encompasses such a variety of emotions? Carolyn Price, senior lecturer in Philosophy, and Timothy Chappell, director of the Ethics Centre, at The Open University, discuss the nature of love, from love as a function, to ‘the Doppelganger problem’ – should we also love another person with the same traits and qualities as the person we already love? Finally, the notion of love as a duty within marriage is explored.

Episodes

Can love be rational?

April 21, 2011 • 3 mins

Carolyn Price and Tim Chappell look at rationality and love.

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Transcript -- Can love be rational?

April 21, 2011

Transcript -- Carolyn Price and Tim Chappell look at rationality and love.

Mark as Played

What is love?

April 21, 2011 • 3 mins

What are the reasons we love one person rather than another, and can love be unjustified?

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Transcript -- What is love?

April 21, 2011

Transcript -- What are the reasons we love one person rather than another, and can love be unjustified?

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Love and relationships: a function or an illusion

April 21, 2011 • 3 mins

Is love just an emotion, or is there more to it?

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Transcript -- Love and relationships: a function or an illusion

April 21, 2011

Transcript -- Is love just an emotion, or is there more to it?

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Love as a duty

April 21, 2011 • 3 mins

Can there be a duty to love, and how can you promise you will love your partner for the rest of your life?

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Transcript -- Love as a duty

April 21, 2011

Transcript -- Can there be a duty to love, and how can you promise you will love your partner for the rest of your life?

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The Doppelganger Problem

April 21, 2011 • 4 mins

Applying 'The Doppelganger Problem' to the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

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Transcript -- The Doppelganger Problem

April 21, 2011

Transcript -- Applying 'The Doppelganger Problem' to the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Mark as Played

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