The Natural Philosophy of Love

A philosophical essay written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the complex subject of love from a naturalistic and psychological perspective, exploring its biological underpinnings, its implications in animal behavior, and its connection to human existence. Gourmont's analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of love as a fundamental instinct shared across species, thus situating human emotions within the broader context of life's evolutionary processes. The beginning of the essay sets the stage for an expansive exploration of love's dynamics, starting with the assertion that love's psychology should be examined through natural laws. Gourmont critiques earlier moralistic views on love, proposing that understanding love involves recognizing its animal nature and rooting it in sexual selection and reproduction. He argues that, rather than being an isolated human phenomenon, love is deeply entwined with existence itself, manifesting analogously in human and animal behaviors. The opening chapters indicate a blend of philosophical inquiry and biological examination, raising questions about the nature of gender roles and the evolutionary significance of love and reproduction.