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In the Name of Love

A philosopher looks at our deepest emotions

Sex
How Quickly Should a New Relationship Move?

Aaron Ben-Zeév Ph.D. on January 23, 2024

What's the best approach to achieve profound love, as well as sexual satisfaction? Should we go fast or take our time? The answer isn't straightforward.

What's the best approach to achieve profound love, as well as sexual satisfaction? Should we go fast or take our time? The answer isn't straightforward.

Sex
Is the Best Sex of Your Life Really Your Best Partner?

Aaron Ben-Zeév Ph.D. on January 2, 2024

The centrality of sexuality in romantic relationships makes it natural to assume that people would want to marry "the best sex of their life." Apparently, this is not the case.

The centrality of sexuality in romantic relationships makes it natural to assume that people would want to marry "the best sex of their life." Apparently, this is not the case.

Relationships
How Important Is It to Be Polite to Your Partner?

Aaron Ben-Zeév Ph.D. on June 27, 2023

Politeness plays a significant role in enduring romantic relationships, though it is different from the conventional politeness adopted when interacting with strangers.

Politeness plays a significant role in enduring romantic relationships, though it is different from the conventional politeness adopted when interacting with strangers.

Relationships
4 Reasons Why Love Is Both Egoistic and Altruistic

Aaron Ben-Zeév Ph.D. on February 14, 2023

Is romantic love egoistic? Here are 4 reasons that indicate the egoistic aspect of romantic love and 4 reasons that claim the opposite. How can we solve this paradox?

Is romantic love egoistic? Here are 4 reasons that indicate the egoistic aspect of romantic love and 4 reasons that claim the opposite. How can we solve this paradox?

Sex
How Much Time Do You Want to Spend With Your Partner?

Aaron Ben-Zeév Ph.D. on January 10, 2023

Continuity is essential in romance, while novelty is crucial in sex. Why are there cases where romantic discontinuity and sexual continuity are most significant?

Continuity is essential in romance, while novelty is crucial in sex. Why are there cases where romantic discontinuity and sexual continuity are most significant?

Relationships
“I Miss My Ex's Voice So Much”

Aaron Ben-Zeév Ph.D. on November 15, 2022

Seeing and hearing are important in turning us on. Which is more significant in enduring love, and which better creates wild sexual encounters?

Seeing and hearing are important in turning us on. Which is more significant in enduring love, and which better creates wild sexual encounters?

Sex
Why Those Most Hostile to Sex May Enjoy It Best

Aaron Ben-Zeév Ph.D. on October 19, 2022

Religious attitudes toward sex are often hostile. However, studies indicate that religious rather than secular people enjoy sex most. How does this make sense?

Religious attitudes toward sex are often hostile. However, studies indicate that religious rather than secular people enjoy sex most. How does this make sense?

Sex
The Problem With Playing Hard to Get

Aaron Ben-Zeév Ph.D. on August 16, 2022

Playing hard to get, in which we pretend that we are less interested in someone than we really are, is a common dating tactic. But does it really work?

Playing hard to get, in which we pretend that we are less interested in someone than we really are, is a common dating tactic. But does it really work?