The Art of Loving - Western Philosophy

"Love" - a word so often used, yet so deeply misunderstood. In our session, "The Art of Loving," we aim to unravel the complexities of love, treating it not just as an emotion but as an art that can be learned and mastered. Inspired by Erich Fromm's classic book, which posits love as a skill rather than a mere sentiment, this session delves into the philosophical underpinnings of love, tracing its evolution from ancient to modern times.

We begin our journey with Plato's "Symposium," a foundational text that explores various dimensions of love through a series of speeches at a banquet in ancient Greece. This exploration sets the stage for a deeper understanding of love's multifaceted nature. We then transition to the contemporary insights of Erich Fromm, who argues in "The Art of Loving" that love is an active skill that can be developed through care, responsibility, respect, and knowledge.