L'amore, e tutti i suoi guai

This paper examines the transformations of love in contemporary society through a dialogue between the sociological analysis of Eva Illouz, the philosophical account of Martha Nussbaum, and the recent proposal by Federica Gregoratto. Illouz interprets the crisis of love as a consequence of modern forms of freedom shaped by neoliberal market logic, where intimate relationships increasingly resemble consumer choices characterized by 'negative choice'and weak commitment. In contrast, Nussbaum emphasizes the cognitive and ethical dimensions of love, proposing normative criteria to reconcile erotic attachment with a broader social good. Gregoratto responds to both perspectives by highlighting the constitutive ambivalence of love and its transformative potential, even exploring alternative relational forms such as polyamory. Ultimately, contemporary debates on love reveal tensions between freedom, vulnerability, social norms, and the search for meaningful human connection. [Publisher's text]