Genuine Friendship Essay
analytical Essay
1618 words
Genuine friendship is rooted in virtue and common goals. As Graham Allan has commented on, when approaching the perception of friendship, we see our leading hitch is that there is an absence of firmly established and socially agreed standards for what makes a person a genuine friend. Depending on the settings, we may describe someone as a friend, or we may feel the label is not suitable. We may have a very slim understanding of what friendship requires. For instance, Bellah, taking from Aristotle, imply that there are three components to the customary idea of friendship: “Friends must enjoy each other’s company, they must have some usefulness for one another, and share a mutual vow to the good” (Bellah 115). In modern-day western societies, …show more content…
In this essay, the author
- Opines that genuine friendship is rooted in virtue and common goals, but there is an absence of firmly established and socially agreed standards for what makes someone a genuine friend.
- Explains that modern-day writers tend to present genuine friendship as intentional, private, and happening between independent individuals. this is different in main respects with the traditional view and stems from a specific view of selfhood.
- Explains that aristotle differentiates between genuine friendships and two other forms based on pleasure and common usefulness.
- Explains that friendships based on pleasure are different from those that rely on utility. the young are more inclined to fall in and out of love because they are persuaded by their feelings.
- Explains that genuine friendships are based on goodness, and only people who are good and share common virtues and goals can have a real friendship.
- Analyzes suzanne stern-gillet's view that friendships of pleasure and utility can be seen as procedures, while genuine friends that show virtue are activities that are vital to living the good life.
- Analyzes how aristotle's "nicomachean ethics" shows the close relationship between virtuous activity and friendship.
- Analyzes how aristotle's answer shows the struggle with the problem of moral education, given human defenselessness to harm from those who lack virtue.
- Concludes that genuine friendship is rooted in virtue and common goals, and is the only true form of friendship. great philosophers like aristotle and cicero agree and dismiss the other two forms, utility and pleasure, as being genuine.
He differentiates between genuine friendships and then two other forms based on pleasure, and common usefulness. Genuine friendship is something that will not dissolve, whereas the two other forms needs utility and pleasure to be involved in order to last. A genuine friendship takes place amongst two good men, “each wishes good for each other, and is also good themselves”. Aristotle continues to say, “And it is those who wish the good of their friends for the friends’ sake that are most truly friends, because each loves the other for what he is, and not for any incidental quality” (Aristotle 1976: 263). Genuine friendship is a type of virtue, or involves virtue, and it is very essential for a good life. Nobody would choose to have a life without friends, even if they had all the additional good things. There are, however, a few different opinions about friendship. Some believe friendship is a matter of likeness, that our friends resemble ourselves. Others take the opposing view that friendship is based on utility. The problem with friendship based on utility is it is a temporary thing. It changes according to the settings or circumstances. So with the ground for the friendship no longer there, the friendship also falls apart, because the ground is what kept the friendship going. Friendships based on utility mostly occur among people who are pursing their own benefit. Sometimes they do not like …show more content…
He is vindicating his conception of happiness as virtuous activity by showing how satisfying are the relationships that a virtuous person can normally expect to have. Cicero, in his book, “On Friendship”, had a lot to say about the different aspects of friendship in his time, but how would he view modern friendship? Some friendships Cicero may not be proud of; like the common relationships that are forced on in a classroom or work place and the lack of allowing nature to take control and make the friendships that are meant to happen. However, Cicero would be happy with the way the higher level friendships have developed in virtue. He brings up the nature of human beings a lot in his text because people take advantage of other people and he knew that. “Friendship is not something we are led to by the expectation of making a profit; we think it worth seeking because the whole enjoyment of it consists in the love itself (Cicero, 12)”. Human nature is what makes people want to have friendships. This is one of the main things that Cicero continuously touched on in his book. “Friendship arises from nature as such, rather than from some neediness: from application of the mind, along with a kind of love, rather than from thinking about how much advantage
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- Aristotle On Friendship Essayanalytical essayHuman beings are designed to be social, it’s our nature. Starting at a young age we develop friendships. According to Webster dictionary, a friendship is, “The state of being friends; friendly relation, or attachment, to a person, or between persons.” Aristotle does into depth about why friendship is vital to human thriving, the true definition of friendship, as well as the different types of friendships that exist.
In this essay, the author
- Explains aristotle's view on friendship, which is vital to human thriving, and the true definition of friendship.
- Explains that aristotle's ethics, in books viii and ix, focuses on friendship, classifying different types of friendships and the forms they are represented in, but his main subject is to show the relation between proper activity and friendship
- Analyzes aristotle's suggestion that there are three main reasons why a person might like someone else. when two people identify that the other person is someone of good character, and they spend time with each other, they form friendships.
- Explains aristotle's view that beneficial friendships should be based on character in which each person benefits from the other.
- Analyzes how aristotle compares his ideas of justice to explain that friendship should be similar to a fair exchange.
- Explains aristotle's three types of friendships: utility, pleasure, and goodness of character.
- Explains aristotle's definition of utility friendships, which are based strictly upon the needs of the people.
- Explains that this type of friendship is different from acquaintances based on utility because they are pleasure seeking. aristotle views friendship of utility and pleasure as the same in a sense
- Explains that the truest form of friendship is one based off of virtue, where utility and pleasure are set aside and one wishes what is best for the other person.
- Analyzes how aristotle helps us categorize friendships and defines what a pure relationship consists of. he answers why we seek people based on our needs, pleasure, and how we create virtuous relationships.
1005 wordsRead More - Three Types of Friendship: Nicomachean Ethicsanalytical essayBefore discussing the three types of friendships, Aristotle talks about the importance of acknowledging why he asserts friendship as a necessity. First off, Aristotle says friendship is a “state” (Nicomachean Ethics, Book 8) where there is mutual goodwill. The message he is trying to relay is that both individuals must share the same affection, and both must long for what is good for the other. The ability to distinguish what is good and wanting it to pave the way for the other being is the sentiment of mutual goodwill. Moving into this idea of friendship being a necessity, it is safe to say we rely immensely and often resort to them for numerous reasons. However, Aristotle claims friendship is a necessity because it “hold states together,” (Nicomachean Ethics Book 8). It...
In this essay, the author
- Opines that friendships based off of utility and pleasure are what aristotle considers as "unstable" relationships.
- Explains that an ideal friendship is similar to the relationship siblings share. it's a relationship where both individuals express mutual affection towards each other.
- Analyzes how aristotle's exemplification of the three types of friendships gives a clear distinction between an unstable and stable friendship.
- Explains the internet classics archive | nicomachean ethics by aristotle.
- Analyzes how aristotle's nicomachean ethics delves into the idea of friendship being a necessity and conveys the three types.
864 wordsRead More - Aristotle And Aristotle: Aristotle's Idea Of The Good Lifeexplanatory essayNancy Sherman summarizes that we need friendships at different points in our lives to serve different purposes whether it be for guidance or stimulation (Sherman, 208). Another way of putting it is by saying that friends are ways for us to practice our virtuous activities. Friends are also valuable because they belong absolutely to happiness. Happiness without friendship will be unfulfilling and the good life won’t be as meaningful. What Aristotle holds generally about friendship is that without friends, the good life will be harder for us to obtain because we are limited in what we are able to do
In this essay, the author
- Explains aristotle's idea of the good life as well as how virtues fit into the equation. they explain the three types of friendships he describes and the reason why.
- Analyzes aristotle's view that happiness is the greatest human good and that people recognize that they need it to live a good life.
- Explains that aristotle divides goods into three classes: external goods, goods relating to the soul, and the body. the end goal of happiness is eudaimonia.
- Explains aristotle's distinction between intellectual and moral virtues. intellectual virtue is rational, irrational, and comes out of habit.
- Explains that aristotle's friendships are external goods that are subordinate to virtue. they are based on usefulness, pleasure, and goodness.
- Explains that a virtuous friendship is better because it puts in one's need for pleasure and virtue.
- Summarizes aristotle's view that friendships are external goods that are subservient to virtue. friends are valuable because they belong absolutely to happiness.
- Explains that virtues are not stable and external goods aren't universal, so happiness based on them will be fragile and dependent.
- Explains aristotle's meaning of living virtuously, which is to act the best way that is humanly possible, and avoid excess and defect by seeking the intermediate.
- Explains that aristotle believes that eudaimonia is the ultimate end goal for humans. it is rooted in how virtuously we act through moderation and external goods.
1538 wordsRead More - The Ideas Of Religion In Aristotle's Nichomachean Ethicsanalytical essayIn order for a society to be morally good, people from diverse beliefs must learn to create friendships and accept the differences. In Aristotle’s Nichomachean Ethics, he underlines what good friendships are characterized as. The problem with common friendships in society, as Aristotle states, is that they are based on both utility and pleasure. “Those who love fore utility or pleasure are fond of a friend because of what is good or pleasant for themselves.” (Aristotle 445). He explains that “friendships are only complete in virtue if it is a friendship of good people. Good people are virtuous when they only wish goods in their friends the same way they wish good for themselves; and as long as the friendship continues to be good, virtuous will continue to be enduring” (Aristotle 446). Although Aristotle explains that these kind of friendships are rare because there are very few people who are like this, virtuous friendships will soon reflect a virtuous
In this essay, the author
- Explains that religion remains the leading foundation to a society of virtuous and moral concepts of ethics today.
- Analyzes how aristotle's nichomachean ethics explains that virtuous friendships are based on both utility and pleasure.
- Analyzes how putnam's american grace: how religion divides and unites us teaches people to be virtuous towards or neighbors by good acts like volunteering, giving, donating, and many other generous acts.
- Analyzes how dawkins explains the effects of religion in terms of science, homosexuality, and abortion that has caused people to be extremist.
- Opines that the fight for religious beliefs has gone too far and doesn't have to reach the point of killing.
- Opines that religion is still a benefit to society that should not be cut from society.
- Argues that modern religion has produced extremists, but there is a way to fix this problem by teaching people how to accept people's beliefs and the idea of being religiously diverse.
1537 wordsRead More - Metaphysicsanalytical essay...he true moral value of friendship lies in the fact that the friend presents to us a mirror of good actions, and makes us more aware of our conscious and our appreciation of life. Aristotle believed that to be happy you need good friends—not too many as it is more practical to have just a few intimate friends.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that metaphysics is concerned with beings as such. according to aristotle, there is no such thing as mere being.
- Explains that the material cause of a house, for example, would include all building materials used in its construction. an explanation of the house could not exist unless they were present.
- Explains that the formal cause is the pattern or essence in conformity with which materials are assembled. this is part of the explanation of a house.
- Explains that the efficient cause is the agent or force immediately responsible for bringing this matter and that form together in the production of the thing.
- Explains that aristotle's logic reflects a distinction in the way reality is structured, and the basic way that we view reality.
- Analyzes how aristotle utilized the concept of matter and form in an entirely new way.
- Opines that aristotle's doctrine of the four causes is easily misunderstood. he drew from the attempts of his predecessors and learned from their mistakes.
- Explains that the final cause is the end or purpose for which a thing exists, and the various goals or ends that are sought along the way are secondary causes.
- Explains how aristotle distinguishes between two types of potentiality, namely substance and motion.
- Analyzes how aristotle distinguishes between necessity-as-compulsion and simple necessity. he explains the possibility of enduring substances that endure through time by distinguishing potentiality and actuality.
- Explains that aristotle viewed ethics as an attempt to find out our chief end or highest good. he believed that happiness must be based on human nature and begin from personal experience.
1835 wordsRead More - Friendship By Aristotle: The Three Levels Of Friendshipexplanatory essayAristotle argued in his book Nicomachean Ethics that “we praise those who love their friends” (Curzer, 2012). To him, there are three levels of friendship. These include friendships of utility, friendship for the sake of pleasure, and “perfect friendship” or friendship of virtue (Pangle, 2002). This paper shares my perspective on these three levels of friendship on whether they still apply in the contemporary life. In addition, the paper advances its discussion to share a personal reflection on whether the highest level of friendship is attainable, and if so, under what criteria.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that aristotle argued that there are three levels of friendship: friendship of utility, friendship for pleasure, and "perfect friendship"
- Explains that aristotle's first level of friendship is based on utility, where both parties derive some benefit from each other.
- Explains that the second level of friendship is based on pleasure, where both people are drawn to the other’s wit, opportunities of the moment, good looks, or other pleasant qualities.
- Explains the third level of friendship according to aristotle is based on goodness, where both individuals admire each other's goodness and help one another for goodness.
- Opines that friendship is an essential part of the structure of human existence. people seek and participate in relationships because they believe it is good to have friends so as to experience pleasure, be honored, and prosper in life.
- Explains that virtuous friendship exists in modern life, and argues that it requires a greater level of intimacy and time.
- Explains that while there is no linear way towards developing a virtuous kind of relationship, there are some steps that may be assumed in establishing this form of friendship.
- Describes how they have experienced virtuous relations from their family members and friends.
- Concludes that the three kinds of friendships are indispensable in our community. all humans are social beings and seek for love, relationships, and pleasure.
941 wordsRead More - Nicomachean Ethics: Friendship, Virtue and Happinessanalytical essayConclusively, the similarities of friendship and virtue allow the two states to correspond with one another in a happy life. The purpose of friendship is not only to coexist with virtue but also, by the actions of friends, virtue and friendship strengthen one another, making happiness all the more easy to attain because of it. Aristotle sums it up nicely, by saying “the friendship of decent people is decent, and increases the more often they meet. And they seem to become better still from their activities and their mutual correction. For each molds the other in a what they approve of, so that you will learn what is noble from noble people (1172a11-14).”
In this essay, the author
- Opines that aristotle believes that friendship is necessary for a virtuous and therefore happy life, and that his interpretation can be misunderstood.
- Analyzes the similarities of friendship with that of happiness and virtue. aristotle describes happiness as something we choose "because of itself, never because of something else."
- Analyzes how friendship and virtue make a happy life easier to attain. aristotle claimed that having friends is the greatest external good.
- Describes aristotle's nicomachean ethics. david ross, trans. j. l. ackrill, and o. urmson, revisions.
- Opines that friendship is choice worthy and necessary, but we must be careful and wary of choosing our friends poorly. not all friendships lead to a virtuous life.
947 wordsRead More - Cicero Vs. Cicero And Aristotle's Views On Friendshipopinionated essayI would define friendship as complete trust and love between two people. Many people believe that this kind of behavior is reciprocated between two individuals without any expectations. A friend is someone who also provides you with support and whom you can rely on to celebrate special moments with. A friend also comes with many great attributes; such as loyalty, honesty, compassion, trust, and morality. Today’s friend is viewed as someone who shares happiness, common values, history, and equality with another. For example, Aristotle and Cicero both wrote dialogues about friendship and its significance on mankind. Therefore, the key issues that will be discussed are: their views on the similarities of friendship, the differences between friends,
In this essay, the author
- Defines friendship as complete trust and love between two people. a friend is someone who shares happiness, common values, history, and equality with another.
- Explains that aristotle believed that friendship consists of three categories: utility, pleasure, and perfect friendship.
- Compares cicero and aristotle's views on friendship, stating that they believe in doing well without looking for a reward in return.
- Explains that aristotle and cicero agree on the importance of familiarity in a long-lasting friendship.
- Opines that cicero's theory on friendship is the most genuine. they agree that a friendship should be pure and genuine without any ulterior motives.
1351 wordsRead More - Taking a Look at Nicomachean Ethicsexplanatory essayAristotle believes that everyone is in need of some type of friend, he states that “for rich people and those who rule and have power, there seems to be the greatest need for friends.”(page. 144, book VIII) Aristotle believes that we as humans benefit greatly from having friends, no matter who we are or what position we are in wealthy or poor. There are three distinct types of friendship that Aristotle directs his beliefs towards. These three types of friendships include: Utility, pleasure, and Goodness or virtuous friendship. Aristotle believes that friendship is something that is extremely important to have and should be held above many things. Friendship Utility is unlike the friendships of pleasure or goodness because as Aristotle puts it is “for the old” he explains that friendship Utility is a friendship that two people may have where they only communicate with one another for self-benefit or to gain something for one’s self. These two people are not likely to live with each other and at times may not even be nice to th...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that they chose to write about aristotle and his beliefs about how the virtuous human being needs friends from book viii from nicomachean ethics.
- Explains that aristotle believes that everyone is in need of some type of friend. there are three distinct types of friendship that he directs his beliefs towards.
- Explains that aristotle's friendship of pleasure is based off of passion and in-the-moment feelings, and can be associated with utility.
- Explains that pleasure and utility are similar to each other because they are two friendships that are not entirely focused on mutual feelings between the two people in the relationship.
- Explains that aristotle talks about the friendship of pleasure or virtue, which is the best kind of friendship.
- Explains that the complete kind of friendship is that between people who are good and are alike in virtue, since they wish for good things for one another.
- Explains how aristotle believes that this is the best type of friendship because it takes two people who are committed to one another and not only looking for the benefits in which utility or pleasure are consisted of.
- Agrees with aristotle's statement that goodness/virtue is the best kind of friendship, but utility and pleasure are not what you would call a true friendship.
- Explains that aristotle says that virtue is what makes a friendship so great, the participants in the friendship bring out the goodness in each other as well as mutual recognition.
942 wordsRead More - Virtue Friendship In C. S. Lewis's The Nicomachean Ethicsanalytical essayAristotle presents his view of the mutual desire for good in others, or Friendship in his work, The Nicomachean Ethics. He asserts that friendship comes in three types, Virtue Friendship, Use Friendship, and Pleasure Friendship. He distinguishes Virtue Friendship as the perfect friendship, leaving Use Friendship and Pleasure friendship as deficient friendships. C.S. Lewis presents his view of friendship, which is motivated by appreciation love, in his book The Four Loves in a manner seeming to correspond to Aristotle’s concept of Virtue Friendship. Lewis also presents his perception of Companionship, which seems to correspond to Aristotle’s notion of Use and Pleasure Friendships. Lewis presents a more modern and seemingly accurate rehabilitation
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how aristotle presents his view of the mutual desire for good in others, or friendship in his work, the nicomachean ethics.
- Compares aristotle's view of imperfect pleasure friendships and use-friendships to lewis' notion of companionship, which aims to satisfy a biological need.
- Analyzes how aristotle portrays three generalized characteristics of virtue friendships that are practical consequences of their perfection, all of which are related to time.
- Explains that lewis thinks that companionship is the matrix of friendship, but he does not provide characteristics related to the time in life when the best type of bond is formed.
- Analyzes how aristotle regards virtue friendship as perfect, while lewis more realistically presents possible dangers of his highest form of friendship.
- Explains that lewis presents three dangerous perversions of friendship as idolatrous/olympian friendship, titanic friendship and vulgarian friendships.
- Analyzes how lewis criticizes aristotle's view of friendship as the crown of life and the school of virtue. he believes that agape, or charity, is the ultimate ruling love.
- Analyzes how c.s. lewis aims to rehabilitate aristotle's view of friendship.
1032 wordsRead More