Enjoy good coffee and even better conversations with other Villagers as we explore philosophical ideas and concepts! 

 

This month's question: What's the love in "I love you"? 

 

There are many ways we use the word love in commen parlance. Bennett Helm gives us four examples: 

1. 1. I love chocolate. 
   2. I love doing philosophy. 
   3. I love my dog. 
   4. I love my wife. 

Even though we're using the same word, are we using them in different ways? And if so, how do their uses, and by extension meanings, differ? Helm suggests that the first example, my love of chocolate, is used to denote a "liking" of something (in this case chocolate), while the second example, my love of doing philosophy (a love everyone of course shares) denotes something valuable that shapes my identity or gives my life meaning. However, he suggests these early examples (1&2) differ from the later examples (3&4) in that they can "be neatly assimilated to [something] else;" whereas, examples 3 & 4 cannot be assimilated. So, for example, I love my wife because I care about her for the person she is - that is, for her own sake. Not, because her impact/influence on my self in the way chocolate or doing philosophy do. 

But is this always the case? What do we really mean when we say "I love you"? How does our love of a person/companion differ from our love of things or fulfilling activities? How do we know when we're in love? 

 

 

No, you don't need to be a trained philosopher to join the conversation. You just need to be willing to share and engage with ideas and with others!

 

 

Our very own Dede graciously hosts us at her home each month. Once you RSVP, you should receiver her address in a confrimation and reminder email from [email protected]. If you don't receive an email confirmation/reminder, please reach out to William at (614) 591-4669. 

 

 

Confections are always welcome!