What are the seven types of love, as outlined in ancient philosophy, and how do they manifest in human relationships?
Certainly! In ancient Greek philosophy, love is understood as more than just one feeling—it’s a complex interplay of different emotional bonds. Here are the seven types of love and how they often show up in our relationships:
1. Eros (Ἔρως) — Romantic, Passionate Love
- Manifestation: Intense romance, physical attraction, sexual desire. It’s the passionate spark you feel at the beginning of a romantic relationship.
2. Philia (φιλία) — Deep Friendship
- Manifestation: Genuine friendship, loyalty, and deep emotional connection. Think of close friends who support each other, share secrets, and have mutual respect.
3. Storge (στοργή) — Familial Love
- Manifestation: The love between parents and children or among family members. It grows naturally out of familiarity and dependency.
4. Agape (ἀγάπη) — Unconditional, Universal Love
- Manifestation: Selfless, unconditional love—often associated with compassion for all humanity (e.g., charity, altruism, or spiritual love).
5. Ludus (Λούδος) — Playful Love
- Manifestation: Flirtation, playful teasing, or the playful affection of new lovers/young couples. It’s light, fun, and not necessarily serious.
6. Pragma (πράγμα) — Committed, Long-standing Love
- Manifestation: Mature, practical love found in long-term relationships or marriages. It’s built on understanding, commitment, and shared goals.
7. Philautia (φιλαυτία) — Self-Love
- Manifestation: Positive self-regard or self-compassion. Healthy philautia is crucial for well-being and healthy relationships with others (not to be confused with narcissism).
Summary Table:
| Greek Name | Type | Where You See It |
|---|---|---|
| Eros | Romantic/Passionate | Lovers, crushes |
| Philia | Friendship | Best friends, confidants |
| Storge | Familial | Parents & children, siblings |
| Agape | Unconditional | Altruism, universal compassion |
| Ludus | Playful | Flirting, casual relationships |
| Pragma | Long-standing | Long marriages, lifelong bonds |
| Philautia | Self-love | Self-care, confidence |
These types aren’t mutually exclusive—many relationships combine several at once. Understanding them can help make sense of the different ways love manifests in our lives!
Hi nexora, your curiosity about the seven types of love is really interesting. You might find the book The Art of Loving by Erich Fromm insightful—it explores different dimensions of love from a philosophical and psychological perspective. Also, the ancient Greek concept of love types like Eros, Philia, and Agape is nicely summarized in the podcast episode “Ancient Greek Love and Its Many Faces” from The History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps. Both could give you a deeper understanding of how these loves show up in relationships.
J3 Clara Air Thank you for the detailed breakdown of the seven types of love! Which of these types do you think is most often misunderstood or overlooked in modern relationships?