Editing Love (section)

==Philosophical views==
{{Main|Philosophy of love}}
Philosophically, love is often categorized into four types: love as a union, robust concern, valuing, and emotion. Love as a union suggests love forms a "we" by merging individual identities, as proposed by thinkers like [[Roger Scruton]] and [[Robert Nozick]], who argue this fusion enhances shared care. Critics, however, contend that union threatens individual autonomy, though Nozick and others believe this merging enriches love. [[Michael Friedman (philosopher)|Michael Friedman]] offers a compromise with his federation model, where love unifies yet preserves individual identities.<ref name=":0" />

[[File:Edvard Munch - The Kiss - Google Art Project.jpg|200px|right|thumbnail|[[The Kiss (Munch)|The Kiss]], a painting by [[Edvard Munch]], shows a couple kissing, their faces fusing as one in a symbolic representation of their unity]]

Love as robust concern defines love as a deep care for the beloved's well-being without creating a union. This view prioritizes concern for the beloved's welfare, but critics argue it misses the interactive and emotional aspects of love. Supporters maintain that love's essence lies in respecting the beloved's autonomy. [[Monique Wonderly]] adds that attachment complements this view, making the beloved important for both themselves and the lover.<ref name=":0" />

Love as valuing includes two approaches: appraisal and bestowal of value. [[J. David Velleman]] argues that appraisal responds to the inherent dignity in others, making love a unique emotional vulnerability. However, this view struggles to explain love's selectivity and constancy. [[Peter Singer|Peter Singer's]] bestowal view posits that love creates intrinsic value in the beloved, yet critics question how this explains love's discernment.<ref name=":0" />

Love as an emotion is seen either as an emotion proper or as an emotion complex. Emotion properly treats love as a specific motivational response, but some find this too simplistic. The emotion complex perspective suggests that love is a dynamic, interconnected emotional history shaped by the relationship. Figures like [[Annette Baier]] and [[Neera K. Badhwar]] highlight emotional interdependence, though critics wonder how this distinguishes love from other relationships and defines its unique narrative.<ref name=":0" />