The Origin of Love
Sue Carter, Indiana University; Department of Psychology, University of Virginia
Pascal Gagneux, UC San Diego
Access to the live webcast for this symposium will be provided here on Friday, February 14 starting at 10:00 AM (Pacific Time).
* This is an online only event *
Summary:
Human beings show a range of emotional attachment, affection, and infatuation often referred to as “love”. Love promotes long-lasting and secure relationships that involve nurturing and support. Biological mechanisms underlying such behavior involve ancient neuropeptides and their receptors in the brain. These systems are also involved in reproduction, ranging from mating and pair-bonding, to giving birth and lactation. They shape the earliest experiences of all mammals and their mothers. The concept of love and how we experience it are affected by culture and its diverse societal norms. This symposium will explore the evolutionary roots of human love, compare human love to corresponding emotions in other animals, consider human conditions that prevent the expression of such feelings, and examine the key role of love and affection for our development and daily lives.
Event Glossary
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