Is there a pill for love? What about an "anti-love drug", to help
us get over an ex? This book argues that certain psychoactive
substances, including MDMA—the active ingredient in Ecstasy—may
help ordinary couples work through relationship difficulties and
strengthen their connection. Others may help sever an emotional
connection during a breakup. These substances already exist, and
they have transformative implications for how we think about love.
This book builds a case for conducting research into "love drugs"
and "anti-love drugs" and explores their ethical implications for
individuals and society. Scandalously, Western medicine tends to
ignore the interpersonal effects of drug-based interventions. Why
are we still in the dark about the effects of these drugs on
romantic partnerships? And how can we overhaul scientific research
norms to take relationships more fully into account? Ethicists
Brian D. Earp and Julian Savulescu say that the time to think
through such questions is now. Biochemical interventions into love
and relationships are not some far-off speculation. Our most
intimate connections are already being influenced by drugs we
ingest for other purposes. Controlled studies are underway to see
whether artificial brain chemicals can enhance couples therapy. And
conservative religious groups are experimenting with certain
medications to quash romantic desires—and even the urge to
masturbate—among children and vulnerable sexual minorities.
Simply put, the horse has bolted. Where it runs is up to us. Love
Drugs arms us with the latest scientific knowledge and a set of
ethical tools that we can use to decide if these sorts of
medications should be a part of our society. Or whether a chemical
romance will be right for us.
General
Imprint: |
Stanford University Press
|
Country of origin: |
United States |
Release date: |
2020 |
First published: |
2020 |
Authors: |
Brian D Earp
• Julian Savulescu
|
Dimensions: |
229 x 152mm (L x W) |
Format: |
Hardcover - Cloth
|
Pages: |
240 |
ISBN-13: |
978-0-8047-9819-8 |
Categories: |
Books
|
LSN: |
0-8047-9819-2 |
Barcode: |
9780804798198 |
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