Virtue friendship

Definition

Virtue friendship is a type of friendship that is based on mutual respect, admiration, and the shared pursuit of moral and ethical virtues. This form of friendship goes beyond mere utility or pleasure, as it seeks to foster the growth of the individuals involved, helping them to become better people through their relationship with one another. It emphasizes the importance of character and values in developing deep connections between friends.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Aristotle describes three types of friendship: those based on utility, pleasure, and virtue, with virtue friendship being the highest form.
2. Virtue friendships require time and familiarity to develop, as they are built on trust and shared values over a prolonged period.
3. In virtue friendships, both individuals aim to improve each other morally and ethically, promoting personal growth and character development.
4. Unlike friendships based on utility or pleasure, virtue friendships remain valuable even when external circumstances change or challenges arise.
5. Aristotle believed that virtuous friends help each other achieve eudaimonia, as their support encourages living a life aligned with virtue.

Review Questions

• How does virtue friendship differ from friendships based on utility or pleasure, and why is it considered the highest form of friendship?
  • Virtue friendship is distinct from friendships based on utility or pleasure because it centers around mutual respect and the pursuit of moral excellence. While utility friendships focus on mutual benefits and pleasure friendships prioritize enjoyment, virtue friendships foster deeper connections through shared values. This depth allows friends to support each other's growth and encourage virtuous behavior, making it the highest form of friendship according to Aristotle.
• Discuss the role of personal growth in virtue friendships and how this contributes to an individual's character development.
  • Personal growth is central to virtue friendships as these relationships are built upon the aim of helping each other become better individuals. Friends in a virtue friendship challenge one another's beliefs and behaviors in a supportive manner, fostering accountability and moral reflection. This dynamic not only enhances each friend's character but also aligns with Aristotle's idea that virtue is cultivated through practice within a social context.
• Evaluate the significance of virtue friendship in Aristotle's overall ethical framework, especially regarding the concept of eudaimonia.
  • In Aristotle's ethical framework, virtue friendship plays a crucial role in achieving eudaimonia, or human flourishing. This type of friendship provides emotional support and guidance in living a virtuous life, which Aristotle sees as essential for true happiness. By cultivating relationships with those who share similar ethical values, individuals are more likely to act virtuously themselves. Thus, virtue friendship is not only important for personal fulfillment but also vital for contributing to a well-ordered society where moral values are upheld.

Related terms

Eudaimonia: A Greek term often translated as 'flourishing' or 'well-being,' representing the ultimate goal of human life according to Aristotle, which virtue friendships can significantly contribute to.

Philia: The Greek word for 'brotherly love' or deep friendship, which includes affection and loyalty but can also encompass different types of friendships beyond virtue friendship.

Aristotelian Ethics: A moral philosophy developed by Aristotle that focuses on achieving virtue and moral excellence, providing a framework within which virtue friendships can be understood.