what is the evolutionary significance of the sensual component of love?

[Natasha]

please note: i'm asking about the evolutionary significance of the sensual component, not the sexual component, of love (we all know what the sexual evolutionary component is all about)! :-) ... can the sensual part be purely linked with the underlying procreation game, as well? or is there a deeper spiritual substrate/meaning at play, when it comes to sensuality?

[Wing Walker]

please note: i'm asking about the evolutionary significance of the sensual component, not the sexual component, of love (we all know what the sexual evolutionary component is all about)! :-) ... can the sensual part be purely linked with the underlying procreation game, as well? or is there a deeper spiritual substrate/meaning at play, when it comes to sensuality?

My opinion here is quite humble as I have no credentials in any discipline that deals with this.  I only have my own life.

Sensuality is a component of intimacy between two people.  Intimacy is not a sexual activity but it can be a prelude to and a component of having sex, provided the sex is in a balanced, loving, intimate relationship.

Going by Maslow's Hierarchy as I recall it, sensuality is at least one level higher than sex and reproduction.  Therefore, I see it as an evolutionary product of sex. 

A couple can share intimacy and sensuality 24/7 and never engage in sex.  A couple can engage in sex and the sensual and intimate component need not be there.

I hope that this makes sense.  You ask some very introspective questions that go into multiple areas of life at the same time.

Wing Walker

[Nero]

there is only our stupidity
especially when we dare to think about fat english pigs
sorry, sweetie, don't mean to mess your thread, but you know me

[Wing Walker]

there is only our stupidity
especially when we dare to think about fat english pigs
sorry, sweetie, don't mean to mess your thread, but you know me

??     Je suis derrange.

WW

[lisagurl]

please note: i'm asking about the evolutionary significance of the sensual component, not the sexual component, of love (we all know what the sexual evolutionary component is all about)! :-) ... can the sensual part be purely linked with the underlying procreation game, as well? or is there a deeper spiritual substrate/meaning at play, when it comes to sensuality?

No, I am lost, I do not know either.

[Lisbeth]

please note: i'm asking about the evolutionary significance of the sensual component, not the sexual component, of love (we all know what the sexual evolutionary component is all about)! :-) ... can the sensual part be purely linked with the underlying procreation game, as well? or is there a deeper spiritual substrate/meaning at play, when it comes to sensuality?

Most evolutionary psychologists can't see past reproductive fitness when it comes to sensuality.  This leads to many inconsistencies between their theories and the facts on the ground.  If you read Joan Roughgarden's book, you will find that sensuality has more to do with building networks of social support than it does directly with reprodution.

http://www.amazon.com/Evolutions-Rainbow-Diversity-Gender-Sexuality/dp/0520246799/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1199807523&sr=8-1

[Sarah]

please note: i'm asking about the evolutionary significance of the sensual component, not the sexual component, of love (we all know what the sexual evolutionary component is all about)! :-) ... can the sensual part be purely linked with the underlying procreation game, as well? or is there a deeper spiritual substrate/meaning at play, when it comes to sensuality?

That the materialistic view of evolution does not include all aspects of reality.

[Hazumu]

please note: i'm asking about the evolutionary significance of the sensual component, not the sexual component, of love (we all know what the sexual evolutionary component is all about)! :-) ... can the sensual part be purely linked with the underlying procreation game, as well? or is there a deeper spiritual substrate/meaning at play, when it comes to sensuality?

Most evolutionary psychologists can't see past reproductive fitness when it comes to sensuality.  This leads to many inconsistencies between their theories and the facts on the ground.  If you read Joan Roughgarden's book, you will find that sensuality has more to do with building networks of social support than it does directly with reprodution.

http://www.amazon.com/Evolutions-Rainbow-Diversity-Gender-Sexuality/dp/0520246799/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1199807523&sr=8-1

I felt that Steven Pinker was also implying as much (social support networks.)  A local M.D.-who-is-trans pointed out that hugging is good because it releases the hormone oxytocin.  While it plays a role in sexual arousal, it also plays a role in trusting/bonding, and is released by, among other things, touch/contact.

Karen

[lady amarant]

Well, from a purely biological point of view, one could say that sensuality is about building closeness between the two partners, which gives them a better chance to rear their young successfully, which is obviously a survival advantage.

I don't think it's just biology though. Spirits connect.