Love and Science Love is easier than you think February 8, 2005
4:24 PM Valentine’s Day seems to bring out euphoric feelings.
Chocolates, roses and, sometimes, intimate moments engulf young
lovers. Perhaps it’s magic in the air, being aware of how much
you love your partner, or feelings of transcendence that bring
on such happiness and tranquility. Many scientists agree with
this view, where everything can be reduced to hard, physical
science. These categories all have corresponding biological
components: testosterone, dopamine, and oxytocin, respectively,
according to Rutgers University anthropologist Helen Fisher,
writing in the journal Archives of Sexual Behavior. “The
function of lust is obvious,” said Ronald Goldthwaite, a biology
professor who teaches NEXA courses, in an e-mail interview.
“Mating systems vary by necessity; if a species’ young need lots
of parental care, monogamy often becomes a norm.” However, Mark
Griffin, an associate professor in the SF State anthropology
department, noted that scien