Single Idea 23119

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / g. Love]

Full Idea

Love is sentimental if it exaggerates the virtues and minimises the vices of its object.

Gist of Idea

Sentimental love distorts its object

Source

John Kekes (Against Liberalism [1997], 09.5)

Book Reference

Kekes,John: 'Against Liberalism' [Cornell 1997], p.198


A Reaction

Not sure about this. It implies that we should retain a streak of cold evaluative objectivity, even about the people we love most. There is difference between knowing a person's qualities, and the importance we attach to those qualities. Forgive vices!