Of all the manifestations of love described in philosophy, eros—the sensual, the passionate—is often the most exalted. But in its power to override rational and ethical impulses, eros can become monstrous, throwing you into a cycle of misery in which you’re impervious to common sense. Philosopher Agnes Callard, author of Aspiration, joins web editor Violet Lucca for a cathartic conversation about her own encounters with eros and the feasibility of ethical erotic relationships. Callard and Lucca trace depictions of eros through history, from Plato to modern novels, and reevaluate the concepts of civility and loneliness. They also explore the possibilities and strictures of writing about eros: the space it creates for reflection, the illusory fulfillment of depictions of sex, and whether it’s ever possible to treat the topic with anything approaching objectivity. Read Callard’s essay here: https://harpers.org/archive/2022/03/the-eros-monster-agnes-callard/ This episode was produced by Violet Lucca and Andrew Blevins.
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The Eros Monster
harpersmagazine.substack.com
The Eros Monster
Mar 07, 2022
The Harper’s Podcast
Since 1850, Harper’s Magazine has provided its readers with a unique perspective on the issues that drive our national conversation, featuring writing from some of the most promising to most distinguished names in literature–from Barbara Ehrenreich to Rachel Kushner. Every week, host Violet Lucca joins her colleagues and contributing writers to provide listeners with a deep dive into these topics and the craft of long-form narrative journalism.
Since 1850, Harper’s Magazine has provided its readers with a unique perspective on the issues that drive our national conversation, featuring writing from some of the most promising to most distinguished names in literature–from Barbara Ehrenreich to Rachel Kushner. Every week, host Violet Lucca joins her colleagues and contributing writers to provide listeners with a deep dive into these topics and the craft of long-form narrative journalism.Listen on
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The Eros Monster