The Theme Of Friendship In Book VIII Of Nicomachean Ethics

Friendship is an easy thing to get, but it is not an easy thing to maintain. In book VIII of Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle explains the meanings and purpose of friendships by breaking it down into three categories. The categories are utility, pleasure, and moral character which arise through perceived or actual good. All types of friendships are determined by mutual feelings of goodwill towards each other. Once those feelings disappear then there is no longer any connection between the two people, because only friendships based on goodness will be long lasting. The characteristics of this goodness include, the desire for the same things by sharing each other 's joys and sorrows. Being involved with each other by sharing time and space. Then, for a long lasting friendship, wishing the other person well, and that both people should be equal. All of these characteristics …show more content…
It is especially important to me because I’ve had an experience in which a long term friendship and relationship were ruined due to a lack of loyalty. My best friend of a long time and my girlfriend, at the time, were kissing each other during my junior year prom and then later lied about it. I lost all loyalty in my friend and girlfriend so there was no possibility in retaining a relationship of any sorts. The same can be said for businesses, because if you are unable to show that your company is a loyal partner then other companies will cut you loose. Friendships of utility are solely based on loyalty, for instance a ruler and his/her subject. Without the subject’s loyalty, the ruler has no one to rule over. Without the ruler’s loyalty, the subjects have no reason to follow the ruler and will therefore revolt and get someone they trust. Without trust there is no sense of safety and no order, which makes it incredibly important to the foundation of a