Epictetus, Discourses | Conditions for Genuine Friendship | Philosophy Core Concepts

This is a video in my new Core Concepts series -- designed to provide students and lifelong learners a brief discussion focused on one main concept from a classic philosophical text and thinker.

This video focuses on book 2 of Epictetus' Discourses, specifically on his discussion of the moral conditions required for genuine friendship (philia). In the view of Stoic philosophy, the fullest sort of friendship is really only possible for morally good, or virtuous, people. It is impossible to remain on a friendly basis with people who are morally bad, or vicious.

My videos are used by students, lifelong learners, other professors, and professionals to learn more about topics, texts, and thinkers in philosophy, religious studies, literature, social-political theory, critical thinking, and communications. These include college and university classes, British A-levels preparation, and Indian civil service (IAS) examination preparation

(Amazon links are associate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)

#Stoicism #Epictetus #philosophy

[jhitchcock]

This brings to mind the Nechomachian Ethics when Aristotle talks about the fact that only the virtuous can experience true friendship. Their reasoning appears to be quite similar and I agree with it. Being wholly motivated by "the Good for its own sake", especially in a world where hedonistic pleasure and base self-interest is a much easier undertaking, is going to seem ridiculous, perhaps even an impossibility to people who are motivated by things such as material gain or glory. Devotion to a friend, especially devotion that may require sacrifice must appear as a form a madness or weakness to those who are not wise enough to see the value of genuine trust and connection. Good talk; thought provoking, as ever. :)

[kaumnewmindnkri]

Terima kasih sudah berbagi keilmuannya Profesor.

[apexstrength]

Lots of Thank you in the comments so...

Thank You!

[claudiabottom]

i have to read some epictetus, that is good stuff. i tried to explain this to my brother the other day, both of them, but they didnt get it. many people have opportunistic associations, beneficial, but not true friendships. two co workers might mengle, in a friendly manner, because they are in association to get a task done. that is beneficial. when that no longer exists, they are associated. True friendship is not that.