Evaluate Aristotle's theory or view of Friendship( Nicomecheani Research Paper

Evaluate Aristotle's theory or view of Friendship( Nicomecheani - Research Paper Example The basis of Aristotle’s thoughts on friendship comes through observing everyday individuals. In his opinion no one would choose not to have friends (Aristotle 1155a5). The need for friends is an inheritably based human requirement. Aristotle went on to describe who needed friends: Aristotle defined friendship as two people having goodwill for each other and being aware of the fact (1155b35). He went on to define goodwill as useful, good, and love of contentment (1155b35). Goodwill for a friend is to wish good things to happen for one’s friend. Not everything is considered a good thing according to Aristotle. He would not want to wish his friend to become a God because their friendship would end due to the inequality of the relationship. Another wish that would not be goodwill is to wish for everything to be good for your friend, because it would take from your own personal happiness. Aristotle thought to be a good friend; one had to be a friend to oneself first. There are three types of friendship. The first is friendship by acquaintance. The second is friendship by location. Finally, the third friendship is best friendship. Acquaintance friendship is those who meet each other on voyages. They share a voyage or trip, then might or might not keep in touch after the trip is over. These friendships tend to be fleeting. Some might develop into a deeper friendship, but not many. Soldiers are another type of acquaintance friendship. Location friendship is the friendships forged between neighbors and city dwellers. These types of friendships are necessary due to the tranquility needed in individuals that see each other everyday. Without this type of friendship, city states would have fallen during Aristotle’s time. Cities would not be able to function without the cooperation and goodwill of the citizens. Types of location friendships are neighborhoods, cities, and other places where individuals are friends due to location. These location friends make up