Researcher ORCID Identifier

0009-0000-4353-940X

Graduation Year

2026

Date of Submission

11-2025

Document Type

Campus Only Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Philosophy

Reader 1

Rima Basu

Rights Information

© 2025 Natalie K Chen

Abstract

Love has been felt, contemplated, and discussed for centuries, and remains relevant today, as it informs our relationships, and informs meaning in our lives. Yet, its exact definition and meaning continues to be debated and discussed. This thesis explores the nature of love, from a philosophical perspective. This thesis’s account of love finds that love should emphasize unity of the lover and beloved in love, and view the individual as love’s ultimate end, while defending that love does not need to be justified.

This thesis includes a survey conducted to detect which account of love respondents aligned most closely with. A majority of respondents emphasized the importance of attentive care in love, while approving the ideals of unity, the pursuit of a higher good and sense of purpose, and personal transformation in a loving relationship. Overall, this thesis finds that trust is crucial in enabling ideal love for a relationship.

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This thesis is restricted to the Claremont Colleges current faculty, students, and staff.

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