Join Dr. Susie Orbach, a renowned psychotherapist, alongside Classicist Armand D'Angour, who unpacks Plato's insights on love. Vittoria Fallanca, a Renaissance scholar, sheds light on the lesser-known god of requited love, Anteros. Catherine Wheatley and Mary Harrod dive into the evolution of romantic comedies, analyzing significant films through a philosophical lens. They explore love's complexities, the impact of social media, and the interplay between desire and commitment, revealing timeless themes in relationships that resonate today.
Valentine's Day offers a platform to navigate the complexities of love and emotional struggles in contemporary relationships.
Modern relationships are influenced by technology and societal expectations, often leading to a more transactional approach to dating.
Screwball comedies explore the nuances of love, balancing romantic idealism with the realities of connection, loss, and mutual understanding.
Deep dives
The Cultural Significance of Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day serves as a focal point for discussions around love, relationships, and societal norms. Some argue that the day emphasizes significant issues related to romantic love, including longings, disappointments, and desires. Psychotherapist Susie Auerbach notes that individuals often come to counseling not specifically stating problems with love but rather expressing their emotional struggles and aspirations. This framing suggests that Valentine's Day can be a useful opportunity to explore the complexities of love and connection in our daily lives.
Modern Relationships and Digital Influences
The dynamics of contemporary relationships are changing, particularly due to the influence of technology and shifts in societal expectations. Auerbach highlights that today's individuals, especially women, are more empowered in their desires and relationships than in previous generations. The prominence of dating apps has also altered how people engage, leading to a more transactional and consumerist approach to dating. This shift poses challenges to forming genuine connections, as individuals may prioritize superficial criteria over deeper emotional bonds.
Philosophical Perspectives on Love
The conversation references Plato's Symposium, which provides timeless insights into the nature of love through dialogues among historical figures. The term 'Eros,' described by Armand Dangoor, encompasses a wide range of feelings—from romantic passion to the pursuit of something greater. Discussion participants explore how Socratic ideas challenge contemporary views, suggesting that real love involves growth and mutual respect rather than mere fulfillment of desires. This philosophical framework encourages individuals to look beyond physical attraction to the deeper significance of their connections.
Romantic Films and Societal Reflections
The exploration of love extends to how it is portrayed in film, particularly in romantic comedies and screwball comedies, which often reflect societal norms and individual struggles. Catherine Wheatley emphasizes that screwball comedies emphasize witty dialogue and the complexities of relationships, highlighting the ebb and flow of love and commitment. Recent films seem to oscillate between romantic idealism and the realities of modern relationships, with characters often grappling with profound themes of love, loss, and mutual understanding. This suggests that film remains an important medium for examining the evolving narrative of love across different eras.
The Role of Friendship and Broader Connections
Throughout discussions, the importance of friendship as a foundational element of love is emphasized, with Susie Auerbach and others noting that true companionship is key to emotional fulfillment. Many modern expressions of romantic love, such as those seen in films like Bridget Jones, often portray a wider circle of familial and platonic relationships alongside romantic connections. This intertwining of romantic and platonic love illustrates a richer understanding of human connection beyond singular romantic narratives. The need for broader networks of affection and recognition underscores the evolving landscape of human emotions in a digital age.
From classical thinking to the romcom films in cinema today: Why do we yearn to find our "other half" but struggle with the reality of long term relationships? To discuss Rana Mitter is joined by:
Dr Susie Orbach: a psychotherapist and author of Fat is a Feminist Issue as well as many other books
Classicist Prof Armand D'Angour: he has just published a book about Plato's thinking on love - How to Talk about Love: An Ancient Guide for Modern Lovers
Dr Vittoria Fallanca: She has new research on the opposite figure to Eros - Anteros - the god of requited love, and the avenger of unrequited love, and his place in the history of philosophy
Catherine Wheatley: She is Professor of Film and Visual Culture at Kings College London
Mary Harrod: She is Professor of French and Screen Studies at the University of Warwick.
Producer: Lisa Jenkinson
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