Cognitive Function of Love According to Martha Nussbaum

Maciej Papierski


Uniwersytet Kardynała Stefana Wyszyńskiego, Wydział Filozofii Chrześcijańskiej (Poland)

Abstract

The aim of the paper is the analysis of Martha Nussbaum’s views on the problem of love, namely, its proper recognition. Nussbaum describes love as a spe-cific type of knowledge, which involves undeniable impression of particular be-auty of another person, followed by its moral acceptance and devotion to it. At the same time, she argues that one of the most fundamental features of love is its vulnerability to suffering, denial and self-deception. Therefore, she seeks for a criterium that would allow to discern loving from not loving. In the paper, first, the problem of love as knowledge in Nussbaum’s philosophy is analysed. In the second part, Nussbaum’s view on the limits and boundaries of love is discussed. Finally, consideration of possible enhancements that could be introduced to Nuss-baum’s thought about love is made, with reference to views of another thinkers, such as Aquinas, I. Kant or E. Levinas.


Keywords:

Nussbaum, love, self-knowledge, morality, vulnerability

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Published
2018-05-08

Cited by

Papierski, M. (2018). Cognitive Function of Love According to Martha Nussbaum. Warsaw Theological Studies, 31(2), 166–178. https://doi.org/10.30439/WST.2018.2.12

Authors

Maciej Papierski 

Uniwersytet Kardynała Stefana Wyszyńskiego, Wydział Filozofii Chrześcijańskiej Poland

Mgr Maciej PAPIERSKI – absolwent filozofii na Wydziale Filozofii Chrześcijańskiej UKSW (2016), obecnie doktorant tamże. Specjalizuje się w etyce, przygotowując rozprawę poświęconą poglądom Marthy C. Nussbaum pod kierunkiem ks. prof. dr. hab. R. Monia. Jego zainteresowania badawcze dotyczą głównie związków moralności ze sztuką. Ma także wykształcenie muzyczne (organy).



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