The Ethics Of The Nicomachean Ethics - 1356 Words

In one of his most popular works, Nicomachean Ethics, The ancient Greek philosopher, Aristotle, debates a variety of subjects in order to obtain a better understanding of virtue and what it means to be a virtuous character. One virtue that is extensively examined by Aristotle in book VII of the Nicomachean Ethics, is friendship. He debates that friendship is complete virtue and above justice and morality in which is why it should be so highly valued. His interpretation of friendship is abundantly deeper than one simple type or definition. Aristotle believes that there are three different kinds of friendship; that of utility, a pleasurable friendship, and a friendship of virtue. A friendship of utility is based on those who are useful to†¦show more content†¦While in Aristotle eyes, self-love of virtue is the utmost good an individual can obtain. Aristotle argues that one chooses to arrange relationships for their own personal gain, except for that of a virtuous friendship. Inside these types of friendship, there are basic conditions which are needed for any and all types of friendships. To attain these friendships or any kind of friendship, there are basic conditions which are needed in order to hold and maintain them. The basic conditions given by Aristotle is pleasure, providing need and goodwill for others. To attain any type of friendship an individual must be able to provide and receive enjoyment or pleasure from another individual and it will not last. The individual will only uphold the relationship until it is no longer pleasurable. These conditions for friendships generally result in short relationship seeing if it is for pleasure or if it is for a pair of individuals needing something from one another. Persons who maintain a friendship for a need will only maintain it until they achieve what is desired whether it be emotional or materialistic. In order for a friendship to exist, it needs to be made up of individuals who have the same degree of virtue and good will which results in a perfect friendship. In order for a perfect friendship to exist, individuals must be alike in their own personal good will and