Wu Qiong: The Contemporary Value of Aristotle's Thought on Friendship

The concept of philia (friendship/loving-kindness) constitutes a vital component of Aristotle’s theoretical system of ethics and political philosophy. During the Greco-Roman period, although philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle all offered detailed expositions on philia and formed their respective views, Aristotle’s research was the most systematic and exhaustive. In today’s pluralistic society—characterized by rampant individualism, the virtualization of social relations, and a clear trend toward utilitarianism—Aristotle’s thought on philia serves as a crucial intellectual resource for analyzing interpersonal bonds rooted in virtue and the common good. Its spiritual core continues to radiate new vitality in modern society, and the practical significance of its value ideals and spiritual destination has become increasingly prominent.

Aristotle’s thought on philia permeates his entire body of ethical and political philosophy, providing an important theoretical perspective for scientifically understanding the laws governing virtuous philia in humanity. In his classic ethical work, the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle engaged in critical and forward-looking philosophical speculation regarding the topic of "philia." Traditional views held that philia was formed based on interest or emotional needs—for instance, family members forming bonds through natural blood ties, or friends developing philia out of a desire for mutual benefit. Aristotle was critical of this view. He classified philia into three types based on different connecting bonds: philia of pleasure, philia of utility, and philia of the good. He regarded the first and second types as inferior or "analogous" forms of friendship, while the third type was seen as noble and sublime—the highest form of philia. He reflected on the narrow perspective of philia that transcends individual interests and emotional needs, forward-lookingly proposing the unique insight that philia is a noble quality based on virtue.

Simultaneously, rooted in the ancient Greek society in which he lived, Aristotle strove to demonstrate that philia involving virtuous character is indispensable for both city-state life and a happy life. On one hand, he argued that philia is the "glue" of city-state life. A good city-state requires good citizens; when citizens practice philia toward one another, they become willing to cooperate for the common interest of the city-state, reduce conflicts over personal interest, and actively participate in civic affairs. This creates a powerful cohesion to jointly maintain the security and prosperity of the city-state. A good city-state is also a necessary condition for citizens to realize their personal value and happiness. Therefore, people pursue virtuous philia in civic life to better strengthen internal unity, reduce strife, and collectively resist external enemies; a good city-state, in turn, is dedicated to cultivating good citizens possessing the highest form of philia. On the other hand, by revealing the sources, characteristics, and values of the three types of philia, he explained the importance of virtuous philia for individuals to achieve personal happiness within the city-state. He believed philia to be the greatest external good of happiness. To pursue happiness, one must necessarily live in philia with virtuous friends. Philia is beneficial to human happiness—not only is being with happy people joyful and pleasant, but it also enables one to become virtuous. He further clarified that attaining virtuous philia is not achieved overnight ^[1] but is built upon the foundation of universal philia of pleasure and philia of utility.

By explaining the stability and durability of virtuous philia, Aristotle’s thought scientifically reveals the laws of human virtuous philia. In modern society, nations around the world focus on improving people's well-being and livelihoods, promoting the continuous progress of human civilization through the sense of gain, happiness, and security of all humanity. The human aspiration for a better life is inseparable from virtuous philia. Independent individuals cannot realize their demands for a happy life solely through their own strength. Modern states are actively committed to improving the quality of life and happiness of the masses through universal education, medical security, and employment services—this precisely demonstrates the continuous evolution and refinement of Aristotle’s thought on philia in its practical transformation.

Aristotle’s thought further reveals the dialectical relationship between philia, happiness, and justice, providing theoretical support for global moral construction. Aristotle’s systematic exposition is grounded in the dialectical relationship between these three elements; he profoundly revealed that the pursuit of justice and philia by citizens is ultimately aimed at living a happy life. Happiness is a pursuit of virtue and the final purpose of all human activities. While a just social order provides the institutional guarantee for happiness and philia, philia adds the power of emotional and social support to the realization of happiness and justice. Thus, Aristotle’s thought further reveals the dialectical relationship of interdependence between philia, happiness, and justice.

The issues of philia, happiness, and justice are fundamental problems that global moral construction cannot avoid today. The purpose of global moral construction is to allow all humanity to lead a happy life by building a world that promotes peace, development, and human well-being. To achieve this ultimate goal of human happiness, nations must follow the principle of justice in international engagement to reduce conflicts and promote peace and development. Philia, in turn, helps increase mutual understanding and tolerance between countries and nations with different histories, cultures, values, and lifestyles, eliminating misunderstanding and prejudice. Justice and philia are important means and key paths to achieving the goal of human happiness. Along with the increasing prominence of global environmental issues, sustainable development has become a significant goal of global modernization. The harmonious coexistence between man and nature is a problem that all countries must correctly understand and handle in their modernization. In this sense, the concept advocated by Aristotle’s thought—the synergistic promotion of philia, happiness, and justice—lays a solid theoretical foundation for the shared vision of global modernization characterized by harmony between man and nature. In global moral construction, the synergy of philia, happiness, and justice can promote the comprehensive development of human society and satisfy human aspirations for a better life, echoing Aristotle’s concept.

Aristotle’s thought emphasizes the philia-logic of community governance, providing scientific ideological inspiration for how to promote a community toward the good. By arguing that communal life is the carrier of philia and that the essence of community is philia—which makes philia reliable and firm—Aristotle revealed that philia is the foundation of community construction. In the Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle clarified that the stability of a community (the city-state society) depends on philia among its citizens. In the governance of a city-state society, philia among citizens encourages them to participate actively in public affairs. When facing external difficulties and challenges, members of a philia-based community will unite, support each other, and overcome difficulties together, thereby contributing their strength to the development and security of the city-state.

Aristotle’s thought emphasizes the spatial logic that philia must be realized in communal life. This inspires humanity to reflect that the process of promoting a community toward the good cannot rely solely on institutional design from a macro perspective while ignoring governance models based on internal ethics. In an era where global issues are developing in a pluralistic manner, Aristotle’s thought is conducive to solving dilemmas in community governance. For instance, in addressing governance issues in emerging fields like the digital economy and artificial intelligence, all countries should establish governance values of philia and mutual assistance. Only then can barriers be broken and cooperation strengthened. By using a community governance concept based on common human progress and shared well-being to promote the development of modern technology toward the good, we can help construct a just and orderly digital world, allowing humanity to feel a greater sense of security and belonging in an era where humans and technology coexist.

In conclusion, Aristotle’s thought on philia offers unique philosophical reflections that transcend personal emotions and narrow interests. Covering the dimensions of ethics, political philosophy, and metaphysics, it transmits the wisdom of philia in humanity’s creation of a happy life, the pursuit of lasting and stable non-utilitarian interpersonal relationships, and the shared responsibility of global citizenship. Today’s world is in an era where diverse cultures interact and clash; Aristotle’s persistent pursuit of virtuous philia still provides modern society with precious spiritual resources and governance inspiration. Drawing on this millennia-old wisdom of philia serves as a spiritual coordinate to inspire people to improve instrumentalized interpersonal relationships, build a harmonious and happy society, and promote the well-rounded development of the individual.