Neuroenhancement of love and marriage: the chemicals between us.
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This paper reviews the evolutionary history and biology of love and marriage. It examines the current and imminent possibilities of biological manipulation of lust, attraction and attachment, so called neuroenhancement of love. We examine the arguments for and against these biological interventions to influence love. We argue that biological interventions offer an important adjunct to psychosocial interventions, especially given the biological limitations inherent in human love.
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Natural selection did not shape basic mating strategies nor underlying brain chemistry to foster life-long, monogamous matrimony in the modern world, but rather to promote reproductive success of progenitors in the Pleistocene.
“Natural selection did not shape our basic mating strategies—nor our underlying brain chemistry—to foster life-long, monogamous matrimony in the modern world, but rather to promote the reproductive success of our progenitors in the environment of the Pleistocene [2, 3].”
From Could intranasal oxytocin be used to enhance relationships? Research imperatives, clinical policy, and ethical considerations (2013) · cites this paper as [2]
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Does Oxytocin Increase Trust in Humans? A Critical Review of Research
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Self-citation
- Authors
- Savulescu, J., & Sandberg, A.
- Affiliations
- University of Oxford (GB)
- Corresponding author
- Savulescu, Julian
- Venue
- Neuroethics
- Published
- 2008-02-07
- Volume
- 1
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 31-44
- ISSN
- 1874-5490 (ISSN-L)
- 1874-5504
- OpenAlex
- W2162553208
- Cited by
- 111
- References
- 89
- Citations by year
- 2026: 3 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 8 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 10 · 2021: 16 · 2020: 4 · 2019: 2 · 2018: 6 · 2017: 8 · 2016: 8 · 2015: 9 · 2014: 6 · 2013: 10 · 2012: 4
- FWCI
- 2.07
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- hybrid
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Neuroethics (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neuroethics, Human Enhancement, Biomedical Innovations
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior
- Keywords
- cognitive enhancement, love, marriage, lust, romantic attraction, attachment, psychosocial interventions, emotions
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