Civilizational Meaning of Love in the Context of Value Definition of Its Objects

The article examines the internal mechanisms of civilization humanization, characterized by its transition from the function of satisfying exclusively utilitarian needs of human beings and the increasing role of psycho-emotional forms of social relations. A systemic model of civilization is discussed, defined by the purpose of its formation, the elements constituting it, and the interconnections among these elements. The significance of psycho-emotional forms of communication is emphasized, with love fulfilling the primary civilizational function. The nature of love as a thirst for integrity and aspiration to it is investigated, and it is shown that such understanding of love is compatible with the aspiration to beauty free from pragmatism. The content of the concepts of the object of love and the value of the object of love determined by its ability to satisfy the needs: biological, social and spiritual (intellectual). The potential of the humanistic paradigm is considered, within the framework of which there is an evolutionary change in the interpretation of ideas about the mechanisms of social ties that form civilization. The increasing importance of psycho-emotional forms of expressing the desire for community, the growing uncertainty of social consciousness determine the emergence of new risks for civilization. The promising way to reduce these risks is to close the gap between reality and knowledge about reality, which can be achieved on the basis of a systemic representation of the universe, ensuring the integrity and consistency of this representation. A key role in this can be played by the general theory of systems, supplemented with a metaphysical component. Such a theory, called empirical-metaphysical general theory of systems, is developed by the author.