Love's confusions are legion. We promise to love, but we cannot love at will. Love God, we're commanded, but we cannot love on command. And given the vicissitudes of self-love, even if we could love our neighbors as we love ourselves, would it be a good thing to do so? These are a few of the paradoxes that typically lead philosophers to oversimplify love--and that draw C. D. C. Reeve to explore it in all its complexity, searching for the lessons to be found within love's confusions.

Ranging from Plato, who wrote so eloquently on the subject, to writers as diverse as Shakespeare, Proust, Forster, Beckett, Huxley, Lawrence, and Larkin, Reeve brings the vast resources of Western literature and philosophy to bear on the question of love. As he explores the origins of Western thought on the subject, he also turns to the origins of individual experience--the relationship of mother and child, the template of all possible permutations of love--and to the views of such theorists as Freud, Melanie Klein, and Carol Gilligan. At the same time, he uses the story of the prototypical absent father, Odysseus, to demonstrate the importance of reconciling a desire for tenderness with a desire for strength if we are to make the most of love's potentials.

Looking at love in light of the classical world and Christianity, and in its complex relationship with pornography, violence, sadomasochism, fantasy, sentimentality, and jealousy, Reeve invites us to think more broadly about love, and to find the confusions that inevitably result to be creative rather than disturbing.

About the Author

C. D. C. Reeve is Delta Kappa Epsilon Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Quality books, speedy shipping, and great customer service! Please note that used items may not include access codes or cards, CD's or other accessories, regardless of what is stated in item title. If you need to guarantee that these items are included, please purchase a brand new copy.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

J2B Holdings, LLC
13770 NOEL RD, #803600, Dallas, TX, 75240, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

We guarantee the condition of every book as it's described on the AbeBooks web
sites. Please note that used items may not include access codes or cards, CD's
or other accessories, regardless of what is stated in item title. If you need to
guarantee that these items are included, please purchase a brand new copy.

All requests for refunds and/or returns will be processed in accordance with
AbeBooks policies. If you're dissatisfied with your purchase (Incorrect Book/Not
as Described/Damaged) or if ...

More Information

Shipping Terms

Books ordered via expedited shipping should arrive between 2 and 7 business days after shipment confirmation. Books ordered via standard shipping should arrive between 4 and 14 business days after shipment confirmation.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	4 to 10 business days	3 to 6 business days
First item	US$ 3.99	US$ 6.99

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.