This term I am teaching a seminar on the Metaphysics of Romantic Love for undergraduate philosophy majors. So far we've covered two readings: the introduction and chapter 1 of All About Love by bell hooks, and Thomas Smith's paper 'Romantic Love'.

Using these works as a springboard, student-led class discussions have already brought up a number of methodological questions that I think are of central importance for this research project, such as:

Is it possible to define (or even give necessary and sufficient conditions for) romantic love?
Is it desirable to do so?
What is (or should be) the role of intuitions in a metaphysical investigation of love?
What is (or should be) the role of life experience in such an investigation?
What is (or should be) the role of scientific research in such an investigation?

I am looking forward to the rest of our meetings!