Nicomachean Ethics

Nicomachean Ethics

Aristotle starts with the observation that no single individual in the world would choose to live a life without friends. He adds that when an individual is in a better position, he or she is in need of more friends given that he is in a position of behaving in a virtuous manner. On the other hand, Aristotle notes that preferring is not similar to needing friends. He notes that those who need friends include the powerful, the rich and prosperous such that they have others to experience similar benefits as a means of protecting their prosperity. He adds that the poor and less fortunate also need friends such that they are able to have a refuge in times of need. Others who need friends include the young to keep them youthful, the old such that they can be taken care of and those in their prime such that they can execute fine actions.

On the other hand, he adds that

Essay prompt: Explain the connection between Aristotle’s claim that only virtuous people can have true friendship, and his claim that in loving a friend we love ourselves.

Source: Please use 1 source and it must come from Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics book.