Other Selves

Abstract

In this paper, I will be comparing two arguments forwarded by Aristotle in Book IX of the Nicomachean Ethics that dealt with friendship. I believe that, by analyzing side by side the two arguments, we shall have a general understanding how Aristotle’s idea of φιλια works with ευδαιμονια. By taking into consideration Aristotle’s premises in both arguments, which contain the notion of a friend as other self, this paper hopes to answer the question whether friendship is egoistical or altruistic.

Keywords: Aristotle, virtue ethics, friendship, Greek philosophy