“The philosophy of moving on: the benefits of therapeutic philosophy on becoming self in the face of suffering heartbreak”

Abstract

This work will consider the therapeutic benefits of philosophy and practical ethics in curing the ills of the soul, and particularly in curing the heartbreak and grief over lost love. I will consider three philosophical models which I take to be medico-therapeutic and candidates for developing a philosophy of moving on: Stoicism, Spinozism, and a contemporary love ethic presented by bell hooks and Erich Fromm. These three models will point to acting in accordance with one’s nature as the remedy for suffering, what I will call “becoming oneself,” or moving on. While each model has therapeutic methods and tools to contribute to a philosophical therapy of moving on, I will find the love model offers the most ideal methodology, since moving on is encouraged at all times as being a necessary aspect of loving behaviour, or living by a love ethic. In addition, I will find that Stoic therapy, in advising the extirpation of the affections, fails to capitalize on affection’s ability to increase our knowledge of ourselves. Conversely, Spinoza and hooks will defend affection in therapeutic philosophy and prove its relevance to self-help.