"Modern Relationships" cover image

"Modern Relationships"

E8: Marriage is a Preparation for Divorce | Agnes Callard & Arnold Brooks

Feb 28, 2025
Agnes Callard, a philosopher at the University of Chicago, known for her unique views on marriage, joins her colleague Arnold Brooks, who focuses on Aristotle's insights about relationships. They discuss how their relationship evolved from a student-teacher dynamic into a deep partnership, arguing whether marriage should be transcendent or an achievement. Agnes provocatively claims that "marriage is a preparation for divorce," while Arnold suggests the essence of partnership is simply appreciating one's partner's life. Their conversation invites listeners to rethink modern love.
01:09:03

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • A relationship's initial circumstances can heavily shape its expectations and dynamics, making it crucial to escape these beginnings for growth.
  • Mutual intellectual engagement fosters strong bonds between partners, highlighting the importance of shared values and curiosity in a relationship.

Deep dives

The Beginning Shapes the Relationship

The way a relationship starts significantly influences its dynamics and perceptions throughout its course. If a relationship begins amidst upheaval or transition, such as a prior divorce, it can create unrealistic expectations for the new partnership. Individuals may idealize their new relationship, trying to justify their previous choice, leading to potential disillusionment. Therefore, actively escaping the constraints of the relationship's beginning is essential for its development.

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