Terence Irwin: Aristotle Nichomachean Ethics

Terence Irwin: “Aristotle” Nichomachean Ethics

Aristotle defines three different types of friendships as usefulness, pleasure, and the complete friendship. These friendships require that both parties are aware, wish goodwill to one another, and there is mutual loving for each other. The first type of friendship is a friendship based on being useful or providing a benefit that brings good to both parties. For example, a friend invited to dinner finds out the host enjoys various varieties of red and white wine. Seeking to establish a friendship the guest sends a gift of wine as a “thank you” for the host’s hospitality. The host is surprised and impressed by the gift of wine and feels he or she must invite him over more often for dinner because of his giving and

If a person is no longer useful, there is no longer a need to continue the friendship for the basis of the friendship was based on what the other could provide for the other person. The friendship of pleasure is also temporary because the moment a person is not able to continue to do pleasurable events or loses interest the friendship ends, as it does not bring pleasure to either party. These friendships are most common and are not considered lasting friendships.

The last friendship type, complete friendship is the rarest of friendships because it involves good persons who have similar morals and virtues. Aristotle defines complete friendship as “friendship of good people similar in virtue.” (122; sc 10) and this type of friendship endures a very long time. They seek friends for the friends themselves and not for any useful means as they are blessed to have no need for usefulness. No one wants to be around someone who is unpleasant so it is only natural these people seek those who are pleasant as this is a good foundation for