The Individual and Modern Marriage: A Conversation with James E. Faulconer

In this episode of Dialogue Out Loud, Dialogue editor Taylor Petrey sits down with James E. Faulconer to discuss his article On a Philosophy of Marriage, featured in the Winter 2024 issue of Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought.

Faulconer offers a compelling philosophical exploration of marriage and human relationships, drawing a striking parallel between Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and modern Western individualism. He critiques the fragmented, self-sufficient view of humanity and contrasts it with the biblical ideal of “one flesh” unity in marriage. Through a Latter-day Saint theological lens, Faulconer argues that true personhood emerges only in relationships, with marriage serving as the foundational model for all human connections.

Join us for this insightful conversation as we examine the nature of love, unity, and the enduring significance of marriage in an era that often prioritizes individualism over interdependence.

Editing and music by Daniel Foster Smith.