What is Love?
Session Number
K01
Advisor(s)
Crystal Randall, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Tracy Townsend, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Location
A-117
Start Date
28-4-2016 9:50 AM
End Date
28-4-2016 10:15 AM
Abstract
Ask a scientist, and they’ll tell you “love is really just biology.” Ask a hopeless romantic, and they’ll tell you that love is an unexplainable, all- consuming force that can only be understood as fate. By comparing papers from scientific studies and writings by philosophers, poets, and social scientists, this study investigates both sides of the story. Topics covered include types of love, the connection between the brain and the emotion of love, and whether or not monogamy goes against human nature. The neurobiological standpoint supports love’s representation and power in literature by explaining oxytocin, vasopressin, and dopamine and their roles in the phenomena of love. Meanwhile, the literary standpoint supports the neurobiological view by describing the different forms and symptoms of love. Further investigation may show deeper connections between the feelings of love written about in literature and the biological processes that affect such feelings.
What is Love?
A-117
Ask a scientist, and they’ll tell you “love is really just biology.” Ask a hopeless romantic, and they’ll tell you that love is an unexplainable, all- consuming force that can only be understood as fate. By comparing papers from scientific studies and writings by philosophers, poets, and social scientists, this study investigates both sides of the story. Topics covered include types of love, the connection between the brain and the emotion of love, and whether or not monogamy goes against human nature. The neurobiological standpoint supports love’s representation and power in literature by explaining oxytocin, vasopressin, and dopamine and their roles in the phenomena of love. Meanwhile, the literary standpoint supports the neurobiological view by describing the different forms and symptoms of love. Further investigation may show deeper connections between the feelings of love written about in literature and the biological processes that affect such feelings.