more from Harry G. Frankfurt

Single Idea 9235

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / g. Love]

Full Idea

It is often understood that we begin loving things because we are struck by their value. ..However, what I have in mind is rather that what we love necessarily acquires value for us because we love it.

Gist of Idea

Rather than loving things because we value them, I think we value things because we love them

Source

Harry G. Frankfurt (The Reasons of Love [2005], 2.3)

Book Reference

Frankfurt,Harry G.: 'The Reasons of Love' [Princeton 2006], p.38


A Reaction

The uneasy thought here is that this makes value much less rational. If you love because you value, you could probably give reasons for the value. If love comes first it must be instinctive. He says he loved his children before they were born.