Chit Chat Philosophy

2 What is love?

1 Love is an emotion shared by two people who care for each other deeply.

2 Is not bewilderment an emotion two people can share as well? And is it true that even those who care for each other deeply can express bewilderment against one another?

1 Well, yes. Let me try again. Love is a feeling of mutual joy.

2 Ah but what do you mean by joy?

1 Joy is the emotion of pure happiness.

2 Let us suppose for a moment that two people have just eaten a particularly delicious and satisfying meal together. Is that shared experience of joy considered to be love?

1 No, that’s not quite right. Maybe love requires an added dimensionality, like time.

2 What is an example?

1 Love is everlasting. A feeling of camaraderie which transcends a particular instance. Sharing a meal together would simply be a single encounter. Love is the feeling of joy coupled with the understanding that this experience transcends time.

2 What is the purpose of joy in this definition? Is it not the case that two people who are frustrated with each other can still be said to be in love?

1 I see your point. It is possible that joy is not required for love to exist. Although I believe it is required for love to begin.

2 What about two platonic friends? Can they be said to love each other?

1 They can.

2 What is the relationship between joy and love then?

1 Now that you mention it, it seems that joy does not factor at all in the meaning of love. Maybe it can be said that love is a bond between two people which is expected to maintain shape regardless of the day to day obstacles. 

2 Can it be said that a rival and their opponent are in love? After all, they enjoy a strong bond which remains unchanged over time.

1 Maybe it can be argued as such, but I do not think that is a commonly held belief.

2 Perhaps there is more to love than just an everlasting bond?