ABSTRACT

In this chapter, I explain and evaluate a few theories about the nature of romantic love. I then distinguish between two forms or types of romantic love, a distinction that we need for much of the discussion of this part of the book. After making the distinction, we take a short detour to discuss the differences, if any, between love and infatuation. Finally, I explain and solve an important puzzle about romantic love and value, encapsulated in the question, “Do we love someone because they are valuable or are they valuable because we love them?”