The Three Forms Of Friendship In Nicomachean Ethics, By Aristotle

The Three Forms of Friendship In the Nicomachean Ethics, by Aristotle, the author speaks about the fundamentals of friendship. Although there are many, in Chapter VIII, Aristotle believes that there are only three basic forms that make up this kind of relationship. The forms consist of the friendship of utility, pleasure, and goodness. Through these forms, Aristotle emphasizes the different levels of depth within each category and their outcomes. As previously mentioned, Aristotle has identified three forms of friendships. The first is friendship built on utility. This type of friendship is based on whether it is beneficially satisfying for both parties. For example, if there is no one familiar in a person’s new class, one will try to form a friendship to receive class notes when they miss. Aristotle demonstrates this when

This friendship is based on the unconditional love for a person, not for what is being provided within the relationship. This kind of friendship possesses the same characteristics as siblings would have for one another. No matter what has been done or said, love will always be felt towards that person. Aristotle points this out when stating, “…their friendship lasts as long as they are good-and goodness is an enduring thing.” Unlike the friendships of utility and pleasure, Aristotle views the friendship of the good as being a permanent friendship. These friendships are long-term but also very rare. As the author speculates, the people amongst this category are hard to find and the relationships require a numerous amount of effort to be obtained. This bond differs from the others mentioned because the people in this friendship have the same assets of one another, making it truly a perfect friendship. No one is being used or taken advantage of, therefore creating healthy relationships and bettering the well-being of others in the