Aristotle on freindship
During his time spent at The Academy, Aristotle based many of his philosophical teachings on the works of his instructor Plato. When Plato died, Aristotle returned to Athens where he then began his own teachings at the Lyceum, the school that he had established. In his Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle states the two different types of friendship: perfect and imperfect. Aristotle believes that the ultimate friendship anyone can acquire is perfect friendship, which leads to the wondering of how, when, and why people should obtain friends. Philia, the Greek word translated as "friendship" is the emotional bond between human beings, which provides the basis for all forms of relationships between people. In order for someone to fully understand perfect friendship, he/she must first know the difference between perfect and imperfect friendship. The consideration begins with the observation that the lovable falls into one of three categories: the good, the pleasant, and the useful. This, in turn leads to imperfect friendship, friendship based exclusively on mutual utility and mutual pleasures, which in both cases are short-lived and easily dissolved. On the subject at hand, perfect friendship is "...(1) one who has the same taste a
Furthermore, people wonder why is it that they necessitate friends. Aristotle states that those who are supremely happy have no need for friends for they have the things that are good, and therefore they require nothing. Now it is know that not every man can have everything and be happy therefore, every man must have friends in order to be completely satisfied and pleased. In addition, he/she wonders should they have friends in prosperity or in adversity. They are sought after in both; for while men in hardship need help, those in riches need people with whom they live, and upon whom they may confer their benefits in order to satisfy their urge to do good. Friendship is most necessary when fortune is against oneself, but in circumstances like these people need friends who are useful, but it is nobler in prosperity, so people want and seek for virtuous friends. The very sight of a friend is pleasant especially if one is in misfortune, and becomes a safeguard against misery. In prosperity, on the other hand, the existence of friends means that people will pass their time pleasantly, and enjoy the thought of pleasure at their own good. Although the company of friends then seems desirable in all circumstances, people must hesitate in calling upon a friend in hardship. Moreover, once man acquires the perfect friendship they may begin to wonder how many friends should one person obtain. Aristotle believes that friends are the greatest of external goods,
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Approximate Word count = 990
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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