ARISTOTLE: FRIENDSHIP

In describing friendship, Aristotle divides friendship into three categories:

1. Friendship based on mutual utility

Aristotle believes this friendship is temporary and is not the friendships we should ultimately want. The individuals in this form of friendship are involved strictly for the sake of one's own gain. They take pleasure in each other’s company only in so far as they have hopes of advantage from it. For example, a friendship formed by classmates who hope to get a better grade through studying together.

2. Friendship based on mutual pleasure

Similar to the friendships based on mutual utility, Aristotle believes this type of friendship is also temporary and undesirable. This type of friendships is formed by two individuals who merely receive some type of pleasure from one another. They spend time together in knowing they will experience positive feelings while doing so. An example of this friendship is a young couple who are friends merely because they are smitten with one another, but without the relationship would not be friends at all.

3. Friendship based on goodness

To Aristotle, this is the best, most desireable, longest lasting form of friendship. These friends actively loving more than passively receiving love. They wish good things for each other and share in each other's sorrows and joys. They admire one another's goodness and help each other grow in goodness. Most importantly, these friends are equally virtuous. These friendships, based on shared values and mutual appreciation, are the freindships we should seek.

Which friendship is most prevalent in your life? Do you think thats good?

Aristotle. "Books VIII and IX: Friendship." The Nicomachean Ethics. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag. PDF.

#friendship