IDEA Pod new episode: Love drugs and chemically enhanced break-ups

In a new episode, we discuss the ethical use of "break-up drugs" and the idea that vulnerability is a key element to our development as humans and, more specifically, as loving humans.

As a guest for this episode, Gabriela Arriagada Bruneau talks to Postgraduate Researcher Sophie Goddard. Her research is focused on the philosophy of love, particularly on the sacrifices we make in loving relationships.

Sophie argues against the development of "anti-attachment drugs", a particular type of "break-up drug" based on the idea that vulnerability is a key element to our development as humans and, more specifically, as loving humans.

Vulnerability gives rise to care, trust, and intimacy, core elements to establish a romantic relationship. Getting rid of it, or suppressing it by switching off our attachment capacity, might take away from us an essential part of our human nature.

“I really enjoyed this conversation, I always find it fascinating when we realise how many intricate distinctions we can make philosophically and biologically about love,” explains Gabriela.

“Sophie develops a very holistic view that makes us think twice about the role of vulnerability in our own loving/romantic relationships and how much they can shape our own identity.”

Download Episode 5 (MP3)

Listen to previous episodes of The IDEA Pod