Can Love Be Addictive? On Bioethics, AI, and Human Connection - Dr. Brian Earp, Imi Lo

https://eggshelltherapy.com/podcast-blog/2025/04/30/brianearp/

In this episode, we discuss

- Dr. Brian Earp’s prolific academic work in philosophy, psychology, and medical ethics.
- how his conservative religious upbringing sparked his curiosity about morality and ethics.
- his transition from professional theater to academia and his commitment to a PhD at age 30.
- his research on love, obsession, and addiction, and his critique of monogamy as a societal default.
- his book Love Drugs and the ethics of using medical technologies to enhance relationships.
- ethical challenges in AI, his stance on bodily autonomy.
- his current projects on AI, personalized digital tools, and more!

Some Quotes from Dr. Earp

 “Whether it’s harmful can be kind of contingent on historical and social attitudes.”

“If you think love is about fundamentally wanting to contribute to the flourishing of another person… then the question of whether you should possess them… might not be conducive to their flourishing.”

 “We should advocate for a view of love according to which it’s something that is rooted fundamentally in care and respect.”

“Addiction can be part of one’s identity… if you cure yourself of this addiction, you almost change who you are.”

About Dr. Brian Earp 

Associate Professor Brian D. Earp, PhD, is director of the Oxford-NUS Centre for Neuroethics and Society (OCNS) and the EARP Lab (Experimental Bioethics, Artificial Intelligence, and Relational Moral Psychology Lab) within the Centre for Biomedical Ethics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS). Brian is also an Associate Professor of Philosophy and of Psychology at NUS by courtesy.

See www.brianearp.com for more information.

Eggshell Therapy and Coaching: eggshelltherapy.com
About Imi Lo: www.imiloimilo.com
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/eggshelltherapy_imilo/
Newsletters: https://eepurl.com/bykHRz
Disclaimers: https://www.eggshelltherapy.com/disclaimers

Trigger Warning: This episode may cover sensitive topics including but not limited to suicide, abuse, violence, severe mental illnesses, relationship challenges, sex, drugs, alcohol addiction, psychedelics, and the use of plant medicines. You are advised to refrain from watching or listening to the YouTube Channel or Podcast if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

Disclaimer: The content provided is for informational purposes only. Please do not consider any of the content clinical or professional advice. None of the content can substitute mental health intervention. Opinions and views expressed by the host and the guests are personal views and they reserve the right to change their opinions. We also cannot guarantee that everything mentioned is factual and completely accurate. Any action you take based on the information in this episode is taken at your own risk.