Shared values

Definition

Shared values refer to the beliefs and principles that are collectively held and embraced by a group, shaping their interactions and relationships. In the context of friendship, especially within Aristotle's framework, shared values play a crucial role in forming the basis of true friendships, as they foster mutual understanding, respect, and ethical connections between individuals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Shared values are essential for establishing deeper connections in friendships, allowing individuals to relate to one another on an ethical level.
2. Aristotle distinguishes between different types of friendships, emphasizing that true friendship is based on shared values and mutual virtue rather than utility or pleasure.
3. In Aristotle's view, friendships grounded in shared values contribute to personal growth and moral development for both individuals involved.
4. The ethical significance of shared values in friendships implies that they can serve as a foundation for social cohesion and community building.
5. Aristotle believed that genuine friendships could help individuals achieve eudaimonia, or a flourishing life, as they encourage virtuous behavior aligned with shared moral principles.

Review Questions

• How do shared values influence the nature of true friendships according to Aristotle?
  • According to Aristotle, shared values are fundamental to true friendships as they create a bond based on mutual respect and understanding. True friends see each other as good and strive for each other's well-being, which is rooted in their common beliefs and virtues. This connection allows friends to support each other in their moral development and pursuit of a flourishing life.
• Discuss how Aristotle differentiates between various types of friendships and the role of shared values in this differentiation.
  • Aristotle differentiates friendships based on utility, pleasure, and virtue. Friendships based on utility or pleasure lack depth because they are transient and depend on external factors. In contrast, friendships grounded in shared values or virtue are enduring and meaningful because they involve a deeper ethical connection. These types of friendships contribute positively to personal growth and the collective moral fabric of society.
• Evaluate the implications of shared values on ethical behavior within friendships in Aristotle's philosophy.
  • In Aristotle's philosophy, shared values have significant implications for ethical behavior within friendships. When friends share similar virtues and beliefs, they naturally encourage one another to act ethically and strive towards moral excellence. This creates a supportive environment where individuals hold each other accountable, fostering not only personal growth but also contributing to the greater good of their community. As such, friendships become crucial vehicles for cultivating virtue and promoting a flourishing society.

Related terms

Philia: Philia is a type of love or friendship in Greek philosophy, characterized by deep mutual respect and shared interests or values.

Virtue Ethics: Virtue ethics is an ethical theory that emphasizes the importance of character and virtues in moral philosophy, which closely ties to the idea of shared values in friendships.

Common Good: The common good refers to what benefits society as a whole, often requiring individuals to align their values for collective welfare, which is relevant in the formation of friendships.