The topics for the paper, if you choose to write on Frankfurt’s The Reasons of Love are listed below. Choose one essay topic. All the questions are to be answered from a close reading and explication of Harry Frankfurt’s Reasons of Love.

QUESTION

The topics for the paper, if you choose to write on Frankfurt’s The Reasons of Love are listed below. Choose one essay topic. All the questions are to be answered from a close reading and explication of Harry Frankfurt’s Reasons of Love.

There is another prompt for essays dealing with other readings we have covered in 202, also found in BB.

TOPIC ONE: For our author, what is love? (p. 41f, see also p. 79f). What is the role of love in the life of a person? What is “care” and what is its relationship to love? What does he means by “reasons of love”?

OR

TOPIC TWO: Why does our author argue that ‘right-thinking people’ are in error when they suppose “that anyone ought to do better with his love than turn it upon himself”? (p. 68). What is at stake for one’s way of living a human life in this argument concerning self-love and the love of another? How does his way of presenting self-love differ from what the ‘right-thinking people’ present about self-love? Is he correct when he states: “To be wholehearted is to love oneself”? (p. 95)

OR

TOPIC THREE: In Chapter one, section 8, our author develops his argument for his definition of human freedom. Under what condition can a human enjoy “as much freedom as it is reasonable for us to desire”? (p. 20). What is this freedom for Frankfurt and how does it compare, and contrast, with the understanding of human freedom we find in the text of Locke or in that of Rousseau?

ANSWER

The Importance of Self-Love in Harry Frankfurt’s “The Reasons of Love”

I will choose Topic Two: Why does our author argue that ‘right-thinking people’ are in error when they suppose “that anyone ought to do better with his love than turn it upon himself”? (p. 68). What is at stake for one’s way of living a human life in this argument concerning self-love and the love of another? How does his way of presenting self-love differ from what the ‘right-thinking people’ present about self-love? Is he correct when he states: “To be wholehearted is to love oneself”? (p. 95)

In his work “The Reasons of Love,” Harry Frankfurt challenges the commonly held belief that one ought to direct their love towards others rather than oneself. He argues against the notion that “right-thinking people” believe it is better to love others than to love oneself (Frankfurt, n.d.). Frankfurt delves into the significance of self-love and its role in living a fulfilling human life. By examining his perspective on self-love and comparing it to the ideas of “right-thinking people,” we can better understand the stakes involved in this argument and evaluate whether his claim that “to be wholehearted is to love oneself” holds true.

Frankfurt’s position on self-love differs from the mainstream belief that one’s love should be primarily directed towards others. According to him, self-love is not a selfish or narcissistic endeavor, but rather an essential aspect of leading a meaningful life. He suggests that the love we have for ourselves is foundational to our ability to love others genuinely and authentically. Frankfurt contends that self-love allows us to recognize our own worth and embrace our own desires, leading to a more profound understanding and appreciation of love as a whole.

The stakes involved in this argument concerning self-love and the love of others are significant. The prevailing belief that one should prioritize loving others can lead to a neglect of self-care and personal fulfillment (Soken-Huberty, 2021). By dismissing the importance of self-love, individuals may find themselves constantly seeking external validation and approval, compromising their own well-being in the process. Frankfurt challenges this perspective by emphasizing that self-love is not a betrayal of love for others but a necessary prerequisite for it. He argues that a person who loves themselves wholeheartedly can better navigate relationships and contribute to the well-being of others without sacrificing their own happiness.

Frankfurt’s concept of self-love as a foundation for wholeheartedness resonates with his broader understanding of love. He argues that love is not simply an emotional attachment or an act of duty, but a deep and genuine concern for the well-being of another person (The Reasons of Love, n.d.). When one loves themselves wholeheartedly, they possess the capacity to extend that same level of care and concern towards others. This contrasts with the view held by “right-thinking people,” who prioritize self-denial and often neglect their own needs in favor of others’.

In conclusion, Frankfurt challenges the prevailing belief that one should prioritize loving others over loving oneself. He argues that self-love is a crucial aspect of leading a fulfilling human life and fostering genuine love for others. By recognizing the importance of self-love and embracing it wholeheartedly, individuals can cultivate a healthier relationship with themselves and others. Frankfurt’s contention that “to be wholehearted is to love oneself” invites us to reconsider our understanding of love and the role it plays in our lives, ultimately encouraging a more balanced and authentic approach to relationships.

References

Frankfurt, H. G. (n.d.). The Reasons of Love. Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews. https://ndpr.nd.edu/reviews/the-reasons-of-love/ 

Soken-Huberty, E. (2021). 10 Reasons Why Self-Love Is Important. The Important Site. https://theimportantsite.com/10-reasons-why-self-love-is-important/ 

The Reasons of Love. (n.d.). Princeton University Press. https://press.princeton.edu/books/ebook/9781400826063/the-reasons-of-love