“Should I Marry You?” Answers From the Philosophers [new The Good Life column]

The opening of my latest column at EveryJoe:

“Romance is in the air, and even the lovers of wisdom are not immune from its allure.

“So here is a round-up of philosophers talking to their sweethearts – collected from conversations overheard at smoky cafés, college libraries, mountain paths, and seminar rooms the world over.

The Aristotelian: “I wish to marry you, for I know that my happiness, both of body and soul, is contingent upon our union in the best and deepest of friendships.”

The Utilitarian: “The question is: Would our marriage contribute to the greatest happiness for the greatest number? Please consider waiting for me, dearest, while the best social science does its calculations.”

The Freudian: “You do remind me of mother, but I’m afraid you are too Jung for me.”

The Kantian: “I do not love you. Indeed, I find you repulsive in every way. But if I do thus marry you, I can be certain that my motives for marrying are pure and dutiful …” [Read more here.]

the-good-life-should-i-marry-you

Last week’s column: On Intelligence, Freedom, and Who Knows What’s Best for You.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *