Introduction
Ethical education plays an important role in our educational system. Although it does not belong to compulsory but optional subjects, it has the potential to shape the moral attitudes and value orientation of the students who take it. Its aim is not only to provide a theoretical framework for basic values such as justice, tolerance or respect, but especially to develop critical thinking, empathy and pro-sociality. In the context of today's pluralistic and value-diverse society, ethical education takes on a particularly important meaning. It helps students find the right direction in morally difficult situations and also provides them with space to reflect on their own attitudes and behavior in relation to others.
Interpersonal relationships are one of the fundamental pillars of our coexistence. In addition to influencing its level and quality, they also contribute to the personal development of individuals. Romantic love, which is an integral part of them, deserves special attention in this context. Its ethical aspects are extremely diverse, and therefore it is necessary to include their reflection in teaching. In this context, ethical education classes represent a suitable space in which students can develop the values and skills necessary for creating healthy interpersonal relationships. It is equally important to devote sufficient space to discussions about romantic love and partner relationships.
In this context, we consider linking ethics with art to be an effective tool. Art can convey valuable messages and at the same time support the moral awareness of pupils. In this way, it can not only strengthen their interest in the discussed topic, but also stimulate them to think more deeply about various ethical issues. Above all, music, especially through its lyrics, often carries strong ethical messages that reflect social and individual dilemmas. The messages conveyed in this way are not only aesthetically impressive, but also emotionally impressive, which allows students to better identify with them.
In the following article, we address the importance of ethical education in the context of interpersonal relationships, with an emphasis on romantic love and partner relationships, while exploring the possibilities of its connection with musical art. Using the example of the popular song Too Much Love Will Kill You by the group Queen, we show how music can contribute to the formation of ethical attitudes of young people and help them better understand the issues of partner relationships. At the same time, we offer specific recommendations for ethics education classes and emphasize the close relationship between ethics and art.
Love as part of ethical education
According to Lomnický (2015, p. 16-18), morality and prosociality can be considered the key attributes of ethical education. As he further states, the moral action of a person consists in the ability to survive and feel human reciprocity, as well as to accept, respect and love others. Ethical education, which can be understood as education for pro-sociality in terms of the goal, it is therefore necessary to focus mainly on the personal formation of a person in a social sense, namely on the emotional, intellectual and spiritual levels.
It is important to lead students to prosocial behavior, as prosociality is the basic pillar of positive interpersonal relationships at all levels. Prosocial behavior takes into account the situation of the other person and tries to improve their situation by one's own actions - be it by attentive listening, empathy or willingness to help. A prosocial personality can suppress one's own individualism and egoism (Lomnický, 2015, p. 19). According to Klimeková (2015, p. 36), prosociality can be defined as behavior that is aimed at providing help to others, or for the benefit of other people or groups, without expecting any reward, praise or recognition.
Prosociality can be understood as closely connected with love – whether friendly or romantic. Love, in its various forms, manifests itself in all forms of interpersonal relationships, for example through altruism, empathy or caring for others. Some philosophical directions even understand love as one of the highest moral values. For example, in Christian philosophy, agape, that is, selfless love for others, is considered the highest possible form of love, and thus also the highest moral ideal (Nygren, 1953).
In addition to agape, which represents selfless, altruistic and self-sacrificing love, in this context it is also necessary to take into account eros - i.e. passionate and carnal love. In eros, desire and physical attraction are combined, and thus this type of love is seen primarily as focused on individual emotional and bodily needs of a person (Nygren, 1953). However, this type of love also plays an important role in the development of interpersonal relationships, especially partner relationships. Eros, linked to selfless love and prosocial action, in which passion and the desire for intimacy develop on the basis of mutual respect and responsibility for the other, can lead to a deeper understanding between partners.
Within the space provided by ethical education, it is therefore appropriate to show students that romantic love and partner relationships are not only about passion and physical attraction, but also about the ability to create meaningful and responsible relationships in which selflessness and prosociality have their irreplaceable place. Love, which combines the aspects mentioned above, supports not only healthy partner relationships, but also the personal growth of individuals in an emotional and social sense.
Some research (e.g. Karney, Bradbury, 1995; Freeney, Collins, 2015) suggests that relationships in which both partners show high levels of empathy and altruism are more satisfying and stable. Individuals with a high level of these attributes are also more often able to overcome difficult periods in a relationship. Empathy promotes mutual understanding and thus can reduce conflicts between partners. Since empathically based individuals are more willing to seek compromises, they are also able to respond more sensitively to the needs of the other. At the same time, altruism, which in this context can be understood mainly as selfless care for the well-being of the partner, can strengthen the feeling of security and trust and thus contribute to greater stability of the relationship.
As Koníčková (2023) points out, the development and acquisition of these values and characteristics are not automatic and require systematic upbringing and education. As he further states, despite the fact that prosociality, altruism, empathy and selfless love are key elements of a joyful and happy life, they are not given enough attention in the school environment. Although students perceive these concepts positively, they often lack a real context, so they feel that they do not apply in real life.
Koníčková (2023) further emphasizes that it is equally important for students to know themselves, their desires and goals. Man is a relational being, so he needs to realize himself in a community of people. If he wants to discover in himself what he was destined for, he must be systematically guided to this knowledge. However, if students do not know their desires, they cannot set goals for themselves.
We believe that, in the context of ethical education, the role of teachers is not only to convey theoretical knowledge, but also to help students discover the value of relationships and love and to lead them to personal development. This is the key to creating healthy and satisfying partner relationships, in which individuals can reflect their own needs, but also the needs of the other. In this sense, love itself represents a value to which students must be guided and educated.
Educational and valuable potential of music
As we pointed out above, love in its various forms plays a key role in interpersonal relationships. It is the lessons of ethical education that offer a suitable space in which pupils can acquire important values associated with it, and thus also reflect on their own attitudes and expectations in the field of partner relations. However, ethical education teachers are often faced with a difficult task, namely how to present these topics to students appropriately. In addition to the fact that it is necessary to give them in such a way that the students can adopt them and perceive them as part of their own lives, it is important to give them with feeling.
One of the effective ways to present these topics to students and at the same time connect them with their own experiences is the use of art. Music in particular, especially thanks to the emotionality and expressiveness it carries, can bring love to listeners in various forms. Above all, the lyrics of songs that talk about love can be used to discuss various aspects of partner relationships or the emotional experience associated with them. Therefore, it can be concluded that music not only brings an aesthetic experience, but also opens up space for ethical reflections, which can help students to better understand their own emotions and to realize the correct value setting within partner relationships.
As Felix (2012, p. 4) states, music, in addition to tones, intervals, chords and acoustic combinations of musical instruments, also contains something else - a kind of extra-musical element. There are many examples in history where music, vocal or instrumental, shaped people's thinking.
Already in ancient Greece, music had an educational function. For example, Plato argued in his State that music can influence the moral development of young people and thus plays an important role in the education of citizens. He believed that certain musical styles promote virtues such as courage and gentleness, while others can lead to moral depravity (Plato, 2000, pp. 71-110). Similarly, Aristotle, in the work Politics, thought about music in education. He distinguished between music intended for the moral cultivation of a person and music for entertainment and pleasure. He argued that properly chosen music can positively shape character and thus promote intellectual and emotional growth (Aristotles, 1998, pp. 295-299).
Several studies in the field of cognitive psychology and neuropsychology (e.g. Schellenberg, 2005; Koelsch, 2011) indicate that music can stimulate positive emotions in people and thus regulate stress or anxiety. In addition, music contributes to a better understanding of one's own emotions, but also of the emotions of others. Especially through its lyrics, music helps individuals to understand more deeply the emotional state and experiences of others, and thus it can be concluded that it plays a significant role in the development of empathy.
Research also confirms the positive influence of music on education (e.g. Hallam, 2010). Music develops social and emotional competences, and therefore the inclusion of musical activities in teaching can support students' ability to cooperate, self-discipline and responsibility. Hallamová (2010) analyzes the connection between music and education from a psychological, pedagogical and neuroscientific point of view, emphasizing that music contributes to the development of cognitive abilities, social skills and emotional intelligence. It can therefore be concluded that the art of music has a significant impact on the intellectual, social, emotional and personal development of students, and therefore it can be considered a suitable tool in teaching.
According to Felix (2012, p. 4), music is the most abstract art that touches the spiritual dimension of a person - and that is what it has to do with ethics. Although it is the result of the composer's rational and reason-corrected compositional work, it is directed towards emotions and experiences. That is why it becomes a powerful tool in the process of education and personal development of students. In certain life situations or critical developmental periods such as adolescence, music functions as an important communication channel between adults and adolescents.
Especially compositions inspired by a strong personal experience or songs whose text was created at the same time as the music and whose performer is the composer himself, can make an extremely intense impression on the listener (Felix, 2012, p. 19). Especially popular music, along with its lyrics, can significantly influence young listeners not only by evoking strong emotions in them, but also by inspiring and motivating them in difficult life situations. In addition, popular music, together with its messages, can positively influence the value orientation of young people and thus help to cultivate their personalities.
Next, we will therefore approach the possibilities of using music in ethics education classes, with the help of a specific popular song and its messages about romantic love.
"Too Much Love Will Kill You"
As an example of a popular song, the messages of which can be used in an ethical education lesson on the theme of romantic love, we chose the rock ballad Too Much Love Will Kill You by the British band Queen.
The band Queen was founded in 1971 in London and became famous not only for its unique work, but also for its iconic frontman Freddie Mercury (Queen Online, 2025). Although more than fifty years have passed since their formation and Freddie Mercury died more than thirty years ago, their music remains popular even today and finds its listeners across all generations. Their songs are still heard on the radio today and appeal to a wide range of listeners. That is why we believe that their songs, together with the messages of their lyrics, can also interest young people.
The song Too Much Love Will Kill You was written by guitarist Brian May in 1988. He originally sang it himself and released it as a solo single, but the song gained real popularity only in 1995, when Queen released a version sung by Freddie Mercury. Paradoxically, this version was released only four years after Mercury's death. Brian May wrote the song during a difficult time in his life, when he was trying to cope with the break-up of his first marriage to Christine Mullen. At the same time, however, he was aware that he had fallen in love with actress Anita Dobson, with whom he had an affair during his marriage and who later became his second wife. This song reflects Maya's inner feelings - he felt torn between two women, knowing that whatever he chooses, it will bring pain to everyone involved. The text of the song expresses, among other things, the emotional chaos that can arise in complicated relationships or in situations when a person feels love for two people at the same time (Song Facts, 2023).
The title of the song Too Much Love Will Kill You can be translated as "Too Much Love Will Kill You". So the name itself suggests that even excessive love can have negative consequences. The text of the song already in its opening verses captures the suffering of the protagonist, who feels imprisoned by love and finds it difficult to cope with his emotions:
"I am only fragments of the man I used to be, too many bitter tears are flowing down my face. I've been away from home and facing it alone for too long."
The song continues:
“I feel like no one has ever told me the truth about growing up and what a struggle it will be. In my tangled mind I look back to find out where I went wrong."
The protagonist is aware that he has failed, so he thinks about when he actually made a mistake that subsequently led him to the situation he now has to face. At the same time, however, he himself feels deceived and betrayed by a world in which no one prepared him for how difficult it is to manage love and relationships in adulthood.
The song's chorus continues with a strong warning:
“Too much love will kill you if you can't make up your mind. Torn between the lover and the love you're leaving. You are headed for disaster because you never read the signs. Too much love will kill you, every time."
This refrain can be interpreted in several ways. On the one hand, it represents a warning against the danger of falling in love too intensely and emotional dependence, which can lead a person to self-destruction. It is a kind of reminder that people often make rash decisions under the influence of love, which they may later regret. On the other hand, "too much love" can symbolize an internal conflict associated with loving two people at once, which also reflects the author's personal experience. Although he fell in love with his lover, he still felt love for his wife at the same time and realized that his feelings were causing pain not only to him but also to both women.
Using "Too Much Love Will Kill You" in an Ethics Lesson
The messages of the song "Too Much Love Will Kill You" by the group Queen offer a space for discussion about the topics of love, falling in love, partner relationships, break-ups and the moral dilemmas associated with them. These topics should preferably be discussed with high school students who are in their teenage years and are starting to experience their first serious relationships.
Key topics that can be discussed with students:
- Difference between love and infatuation: Infatuation is a strong but short-lived state that will fade away with time. On the other hand, love is deeper, more permanent and associated with greater responsibility and obligations. Intense feelings of love can lead to impulsive and reckless decisions, but they have a long-term impact. Pupils can thus realize that when making important life decisions, they should not act only on the basis of momentary feelings, but should also consider the long-term consequences.
- Infidelity in a partner relationship: The discussion can help students understand how infidelity affects trust between partners, what emotional and ethical consequences it can have and how it can be dealt with. However, a person can also find himself in a situation where he feels love for two people at the same time. The song deals with this dilemma and opens up the space for a deeper discussion of ethical issues related to fidelity and love.
- Breakups are a part of life: The song shows that although breakups can be painful, they are an inevitable part of life. The discussion can help the students to understand that even in difficult situations it is important to learn to cope with the loss and to move on with life. At the same time, students can think about how problems such as infidelity can lead to the breakdown of relationships and what consequences they can have on our decisions.
Topics for discussion questions for pupils:
- Have you ever made a decision under the influence of love that you later regretted? How did you cope with it?
- What to do when the love in a partner relationship fades? How to go from being in love to a deeper relationship based on love?
- How did you or someone close to you deal with the breakup? What steps can help cope with this?
- How would you approach infidelity in your relationship? Would you be able to forgive infidelity?
- What would you do if you found yourself in a similar situation as the protagonist of the song, who loves two people at once?
Using this composition as part of an ethical education lesson can help students better understand the topics of love, partner relationships or ethical dilemmas related to them. By analyzing this song, students can get a clearer view of the rather complex topic of partner relationships and learn how to approach them responsibly.
Conclusion
As we have shown in the article, ethical education plays an important role in the process of forming interpersonal relationships. Partnerships and romantic love are particularly important in this context, so they deserve more attention in the educational process. Young adolescents are in a period when they are still searching for themselves and trying to understand themselves, their surroundings and the world in which they live. Therefore, it is important for them to be able to understand their own feelings and emotions, as well as the dynamics of interpersonal and partner relationships. The connection of ethical education with music and its lyrics enables these topics to be brought closer to students and thus supports their emotional and moral development.
Using Queen's Too Much Love Will Kill You as an example, we have shown that popular music can be a useful tool for opening up discussions about relationships, romantic love and the ethical dilemmas that come with them. At the same time, it offers space for reflection on the values that are necessary for creating healthy and stable relationships. Connecting ethics with art, especially music, can help young people better understand their own feelings, develop empathy and think more deeply about the value dimensions of love and relationships.
Author: Mgr. Stanislava Baranová Department of Ethics and Aesthetics, Faculty of Arts, University of Constantine the Philosopher in Nitra The contribution was created thanks to the support of the project VEGA 1/0158/23: Non-religious spiritual literacy: origin, development in childhood and significance in adulthood and thanks to the support of the UGA project II/1/2025: Power dynamics of partner relations in gender and ethical contexts.
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