Philosophy professor John Lachs assured students of only two things Thursday night at a dinner discussion on the ethics of love: The emotion exists better with mutual respect, and he is "certainly not planning on retiring anytime soon."

Otherwise, there were no right — or wrong — answers.

The evening's discussion, which was sponsored by Vanderbilt Student Government in Furman Hall, moved from morality in the physical realm of love — the ethics of a one-night stand — to question the philosophical question of the existence of soul mates. There were no lulls in the dialogue, which did not surprise the professor.

"Everybody is interested in love in some way or another," Lachs said. "I don't know anyone who isn't concerned with love."

Students felt the event was relevant as well.

"Eventually what everyone is looking for is a sense of belonging," said senior Ananya Majumder. "This is a time when you finally begin comprehending what love really means."

Lachs claims no absolute expertise on the love lives of the young, but as a veteran in marriage, he explained he has some tips for students.

"I am holding up the national average at 41 years," he said.

While he believes the sexual liberation he has witnessed unfold during his life is a good thing, he acknowledged it ushers in a new set of moral dilemmas.

"There is a middle ground, though," he said.

The message resonated with several students, especially in terms of the event's causal atmosphere.

"I think it just goes in with theme of The Commons because this setting lets students interact with professors on a very personal level," Majumder said. "And in this setting, there were no correct answers."

Sophomore Jacquie Berger said she felt similarly.

"I disagree with professor Lachs on some points, but I really liked how all the students interacted," she said. "It was great to have him there to offer his wisdom and insight. I was in his class of 250 students last year, so it was great to talk to him in this discussion."

Though the event was Lachs' first opportunity to lead a "dinner discussion," he noted how important he thought the event was.

"Discussion is so important in life," he said.

When the evening was over, Locke told students that marriage — love — is a struggle, but a worthy one.

He left the group with a parting thought.

"You don't have to be married to your soulmate," he said, "but it makes things easier. Look for a soulmate."

—Sydney Wilmer can be reached at sydney.e.wilmer@vanderbilt.edu