The Prudence of Love: How Possessing the Virtue of Love Benefits the Lover

by Eric J. Silverman

Overview

The Prudence of Love focuses upon the intersection of philosophical, theological, and psychological issues concerning love. Eric Silverman advocates an account of the virtue of love derived from Thomas Aquinas's account of charity and makes three claims concerning love's effect on a person's happiness. First, he argues that there are at least five distinct ways that possessing the virtue of love contributes to the lover's happiness. Surprisingly, only one of these benefits is primarily relational, while the other benefits are largely psychological. Second, Silverman argues that the combination of love's benefits typically increases the lover's overall level of happiness. Finally, he argues that possessing a loving disposition is a more reliable strategy for increasing one's overall happiness than possessing an unloving disposition. Throughout The Prudence of Love, Silverman demonstrates that love's benefits are identifiable according to all four major views of happiness.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780739139318
Publisher:	Lexington Books
Publication date:	10/11/2010
Pages:	222
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Eric J. Silverman is assistant professor of philosophy and religious studies at Christopher Newport University.

Table of Contents

Preface ix

Chapter 1 Foundational Issues 1

Chapter 2 Contemporary Philosophical Accounts of Love 17

Chapter 3 Aquinas's Account of the Virtue of Love 43

Chapter 4 The Neo-Thomistic Account of the Virtue of Love 59

Chapter 5 The Benefits of Love 93

Chapter 6 Unloving Agents 147

Works Cited 203

Index 207

Vita Auctoris 211

Editorial Reviews

The book is clearly written and well-organized.... Recommended.

Choice Reviews

In this wise and humane book, Eric Silverman examines the virtue of love and the benefits of having this virtue. Silverman weaves medieval and contemporary philosophical perspectives on love, happiness and well-being together with empirical research to defend a neo-Thomistic account of love and to argue that the virtue of love benefits its possessor in a variety of ways. Notably, his case does not assume an objective theory of well-being like those of the ancients and medievals. A welcome corrective in an age that too often regards concern for others as a sacrifice, this is a balanced and lucid treatment of love and well-being that will that will edify both philosophers and social scientists.

Daniel M. Haybron

Should humans want to be charitable? How should we understand our relationships? What does loving God and our neighbor concretely involve? Exploring such questions in dialogue with an impressive array of contemporary philosophers, Silverman argues for a Thomistic account of charity that exhibits love's benefits for the lover. In superbly readable prose, Silverman reintroduces us to the beauty of charity. This book bodes well for the renewal of philosophy's role in shaping the good life.

Matthew Levering

This is an interesting, clearly written and broad ranging account of love as a virtue which benefits its possessor, inspired by Aquinas. As well as a plausible positive view, it offers an excellent critique of several contemporary accounts of love.

Christine Swanton

The book is clearly written and well-organized.... Recommended.

Choice

This is an interesting, clearly written and broad ranging account of love as a virtue which benefits its possessor, inspired by Aquinas. As well as a plausible positive view, it offers an excellent critique of several contemporary accounts of love.--Christine Swanton, The University of Auckland

In this wise and humane book, Eric Silverman examines the virtue of love and the benefits of having this virtue. Silverman weaves medieval and contemporary philosophical perspectives on love, happiness and well-being together with empirical research to defend a neo-Thomistic account of love and to argue that the virtue of love benefits its possessor in a variety of ways. Notably, his case does not assume an objective theory of well-being like those of the ancients and medievals. A welcome corrective in an age that too often regards concern for others as a sacrifice, this is a balanced and lucid treatment of love and well-being that will that will edify both philosophers and social scientists.--Daniel M. Haybron, Saint Louis University

Should humans want to be charitable? How should we understand our relationships? What does loving God and our neighbor concretely involve? Exploring such questions in dialogue with an impressive array of contemporary philosophers, Silverman argues for a Thomistic account of charity that exhibits love's benefits for the lover. In superbly readable prose, Silverman reintroduces us to the beauty of charity. This book bodes well for the renewal of philosophy's role in shaping the good life.--Matthew Levering, University of Dayton

From the Publisher

The book is clearly written and well-organized.... Recommended.

July 2010 CHOICE

The book is clearly written and well-organized.... Recommended.

July 2010 Choice Reviews