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Kriterion: Revista de Filosofia

Print version ISSN 0100-512X

Abstract

ORTIZ-MILLAN, Gustavo. Love and rationality: on some possible rational effects of love. Kriterion [online]. 2008, vol.4Selected edition, pp. 0-0. ISSN 0100-512X.

In this paper I defend the idea that rather than disrupting rationality, as the common-sense conception has done it, love may actually help us to develop rational ways of thinking and acting. I make the case for romantic or erotic love, since this is the kind of love that is more frequently associated with irrationality in acting and thinking. I argue that this kind of love may make us develop epistemic and practical forms of rationality. Based on an analysis of its characteristic action tendencies, I argue that love may help us to develop an instrumental form of rationality in determining the best means to achieve the object of love. It may also narrow down the number of practical considerations that may help us to achieve our goals. Finally, love may generate rational ways of belief-formation by framing the parameters taken into account in perception and attention, and by bringing into light only a small portion of the epistemic information available. Love may make us perceive reality more acutely.

Keywords : Erotic Love; Emotions; Practical Rationality; Epistemic Rationality.

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