In this episode, we discuss
- Dr. Brian Earp’s prolific academic work in philosophy, psychology, and medical ethics.
- how his conservative religious upbringing sparked his curiosity about morality and ethics.
- his transition from professional theater to academia and his commitment to a PhD at age 30.
- his research on love, obsession, and addiction, and his critique of monogamy as a societal default.
- his book Love Drugs and the ethics of using medical technologies to enhance relationships.
- ethical challenges in AI, his stance on bodily autonomy.
- his current projects on AI, personalized digital tools, and more!
Some Quotes from Dr. Earp
“Whether it’s harmful can be kind of contingent on historical and social attitudes.”
“If you think love is about fundamentally wanting to contribute to the flourishing of another person… then the question of whether you should possess them… might not be conducive to their flourishing.”
“We should advocate for a view of love according to which it’s something that is rooted fundamentally in care and respect.”
“Addiction can be part of one’s identity… if you cure yourself of this addiction, you almost change who you are.”
“People should try to engage in the relationships which really are best for them. And I don’t think we should assume that a monogamous relationship is necessarily best for everyone.”
About Dr. Brian Earp
Associate Professor Brian D. Earp, PhD, is director of the Oxford-NUS Centre for Neuroethics and Society (OCNS) and the EARP Lab (Experimental Bioethics, Artificial Intelligence, and Relational Moral Psychology Lab) within the Centre for Biomedical Ethics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS). Brian is also an Associate Professor of Philosophy and of Psychology at NUS by courtesy.
Brian holds degrees from Yale, Oxford, and Cambridge Universities and is a Research Associate of the Uehiro Oxford Institute at the University of Oxford, where Brian directs HOPE: The Hub at Oxford for Psychedelic Ethics. Brian is also Associate Director of the Yale-Hastings Program in Ethics and Health Policy at Yale University and The Hastings Center, and is an elected member of the UK Young Academy under the auspices of the British Academy and the Royal Society. See www.brianearp.com for more information.
Can Love Be Addictive? On Monogamy, AI, and Human Connection
– Dr. Brian Earp, Imi Lo
The intersection of science and love is a rich and thought-provoking field. It sits at the crossroads of philosophy, cultural studies, and critical theory. I had the privilege of exploring this with Dr. Brian Earp, a multidisciplinary academic. His expertise spans philosophy, psychology, bioethics, gender studies, and medical ethics.
Dr. Earp’s work delves into profound moral questions. These include love, relationships, and societal issues like bodily autonomy. In our conversation, we explored themes such as love, addiction, and the influence of societal norms.His passion for moral questions begins with his upbringing. Raised in a conservative religious family, his world was steeped in rigid definitions of right and wrong. This environment sparked his curiosity. He began to question whether inherited beliefs could truly answer complex ethical dilemmas.
One of the most intriguing parts of our conversation was Dr. Earp’s exploration of the subtle, and often uncomfortable, overlap between love and addiction. It is tempting to think of love as pure and transcendent, while addiction lurks in the shadows of compulsion and destruction. Yet, Dr. Earp challenges this dichotomy, suggesting that love and addiction may not be so different after all. Both, he explains, can involve obsessive thoughts and behaviors that blur the line between joy and suffering.
This perspective invites us to reconsider the cultural stories we tell ourselves about love. We are often encouraged to view passionate love as the ultimate ideal—something to aspire to, regardless of the cost. But what happens when passion tips into obsession? Where do we draw the line between love that nourishes and love that consumes? Dr. Earp’s reflections remind us of the complexity of love and urge us to question whether the narratives we inherit truly serve us.
Our discussion naturally turned to the topic of monogamy, a cornerstone of many romantic ideals. Dr. Earp critiques the assumption that monogamy is the default or “right” way to structure a relationship. He suggests that cultural norms heavily influence our choices, often in ways we fail to recognize. While monogamy may work beautifully for some, it can also constrain others.
Instead of defaulting to pre-written scripts, Dr. Earp advocates for a more thoughtful and self-aware approach to relationships. What if we were to ask ourselves: What kind of connection truly works for me? What feels authentic? By questioning societal expectations, we open the door to relationships that feel freer, more meaningful, and deeply aligned with who we are.
Our conversation also ventured beyond love and relationships to the broader ethical dilemmas posed by modern technology. Dr. Earp raised profound questions about the use of biomedical technologies to enhance relationships. Should we use science to medicate heartbreak or amplify feelings of love? What might we lose in the process of “perfecting” our emotions?
He also drew parallels to artificial intelligence, particularly its growing role in creative fields like art and academia. These technological advancements force us to reconsider the essence of human creativity and authorship. If a machine can write a novel, compose a symphony, or even craft a piece of academic research, what does that mean for the human experience? Dr. Earp calls for careful reflection on how these tools reshape our world—urging us to weigh their potential benefits against the risks of losing something essential about being human.
In the end, Dr. Earp’s work invites us to engage with the deeper questions that underpin our lives. His exploration of love, relationships, and technology is not simply academic—it touches on what it means to live well, to connect meaningfully, and to navigate the ethical challenges of a rapidly changing world. His multidisciplinary approach is a reminder of the importance of questioning the assumptions we take for granted, and of striving for lives that feel both authentic and thoughtfully examined.
Imi Lo is a mental health consultant, philosophical consultant, and writer who guides individuals and groups toward a more meaningful and authentic life. Her internationally acclaimed books are translated into more than six languages languages and sought out by readers worldwide for their compassionate and astute guidance.
Imi's background includes two Master's degrees—one in Mental Health and one in Buddhist Studies—alongside training in philosophical consulting, Jungian theories, global cultures, and mindfulness-based modalities. You can contact Imi for a one-to-one consulting session that is catered to your specific needs.