Study Guide

The Nicomachean Ethics Book 8, Chapter 1 (1154b35-1155b15)

Book 8, Chapter 1 (1154b35-1155b15)

Aristotle wants to discuss friendship as a virtue in this section. He begins by emphasizing how crucial it is for a happy life.
Aww. Aristotle's such a softie.
Friendship's necessary even for the wealthy and young, who need protection and saving from mistakes (respectively).
The old require friends to help them get by, and the strong benefit by having friends who will help them do good things and think through difficulties.
There is a kind of friendship between parent and child, and also for those who are like each other. Aristotle says that we naturally gravitate toward people who are most like us.
"Like-mindedness" is like friendship and helps larger groups of unrelated people to get along for the common good (think legislators/lawgivers).
Friendship breeds just behavior. And while those who are just are also good, they still need friendship between them to make things pleasant.
Aristotle says that friendship is especially praiseworthy. A person with many friends is considered a worthy person.
But some "perplexities" about friendship exist.
Are friends alike? Or do opposites attract? Are they actually competitive with one another?
More important and relevant to the conversation at hand: can anybody participate in friendship? Can, for instance, evil people be friends to anyone?
Also, is there more than one type of friendship?

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