4 Little Heart-Shaped Pills
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Brian D. Earp
Abstract
This chapter gets specific about the kinds of biological interventions into love that are currently possible—and those that may exist in the future. It shows how love can be affected by certain chemicals through a variety of different pathways, depending on the psychosocial context. It also discusses common medications that may already be influencing love and relationships, such as hormonal birth control and anti-depressant pills, and argues for a shift in scientific research norms: away from an exclusive focus on individuals and clinical symptoms, toward a more inclusive, relationship-oriented paradigm that considers the interpersonal and social implications of drug-based medical treatments.
Abstract
This chapter gets specific about the kinds of biological interventions into love that are currently possible—and those that may exist in the future. It shows how love can be affected by certain chemicals through a variety of different pathways, depending on the psychosocial context. It also discusses common medications that may already be influencing love and relationships, such as hormonal birth control and anti-depressant pills, and argues for a shift in scientific research norms: away from an exclusive focus on individuals and clinical symptoms, toward a more inclusive, relationship-oriented paradigm that considers the interpersonal and social implications of drug-based medical treatments.
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Dedication v
- Epigraph vii
- Contents ix
- 1 Revolution 1
- 2 Love's Dimensions 16
- 3 Human Natures 36
- 4 Little Heart-Shaped Pills 52
- 5 Good-Enough Marriages 71
- 6 Ecstasy as Therapy 82
- 7 Evolved Fragility 101
- 8 Wonder Hormone 110
- 9 Anti-love Drugs 121
- 10 Chemical Breakups 136
- 11 Avoiding Disaster 141
- 12 Choosing Love 171
- Epilogue 189
- Acknowledgements 191
- Notes 195
- Index 255
- About the Authors 267
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Dedication v
- Epigraph vii
- Contents ix
- 1 Revolution 1
- 2 Love's Dimensions 16
- 3 Human Natures 36
- 4 Little Heart-Shaped Pills 52
- 5 Good-Enough Marriages 71
- 6 Ecstasy as Therapy 82
- 7 Evolved Fragility 101
- 8 Wonder Hormone 110
- 9 Anti-love Drugs 121
- 10 Chemical Breakups 136
- 11 Avoiding Disaster 141
- 12 Choosing Love 171
- Epilogue 189
- Acknowledgements 191
- Notes 195
- Index 255
- About the Authors 267
