Love and Philosophy cover image

Love and Philosophy

Love Beyond Subject and Object with therapist & neuroscientist Mark Solms

Jan 24, 2025
Mark Solms, a neuropsychologist at the University of Cape Town, dives deep into the connection between love and consciousness. He breaks down love into its emotional components, highlighting distinctions between romantic love and attachment. The conversation explores how feelings shape our conscious experience, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and vulnerability. Solms also discusses Freud's theories on narcissism, revealing complex layers of emotional drives, and argues for a science that integrates subjective experience into its understanding of human nature.
01:00:36

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Love is a complex amalgamation of emotional drives like lust and care, necessitating deep understanding and vulnerability in relationships.
  • The integration of subjective experiences into scientific frameworks is vital for comprehending consciousness and human behavior, challenging traditional objectivity in neuroscience.

Deep dives

Understanding Complex Consciousness

Consciousness is a highly intricate construct that extends beyond basic feelings. Individuals possess a capacity for self-awareness that allows them to recognize their feelings and thoughts as separate from those of others. This level of reflection enables the realization that one is both a subject and an object in relational dynamics. The concept of third-person perspective plays a pivotal role in how individuals navigate their emotional landscapes and interpersonal relationships.

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