The Evolution of Love: External Conditions and Internal Mechanisms

The podcast episode explores the concept of love and how it has evolved in modern times. The speaker discusses how external conditions and internal mechanisms shape our perceptions and choices when it comes to romantic relationships. They highlight the idea of the 'ecology of choice,' which refers to the social environments that influence our mate selection, and the 'architecture of choice,' which pertains to our internal thought processes. The speaker emphasizes the impact of technology and mass media on our romantic preferences and the emergence of sexiness as a cultural category distinct from traditional notions of beauty and character. They also touch on the disentanglement of sex and emotions, as well as the commodification of sex and sexuality in contemporary society.