Can virtual friendship be genuine friendship as articulated by Aristotle in his Nicomachean Ethics
Running head: FRIENDSHIP IN ARISTOTLE’S NICOMACHEAN ETHICS
Can virtual friendship be genuine friendship as articulated by Aristotle in his Nicomachean
Ethics?
Aimee Muscat
University of Malta
1
FRIENDSHIP IN ARISTOTLE’S NICOMACHEAN ETHICS
Abstract
Aristotle defines friendship as a single soul dwelling in two bodies. With the introduction of online social networking, the way we form friendships has changed considerably over the past decade. The purpose of this paper is to give an insight, on the various views there are, on whether social media can provide us with a friendship based on virtue as described by Aristotle in his Nicomachean Ethics.
Keywords: Aristotle, Friendship, Nicomachean Ethics
2
FRIENDSHIP IN ARISTOTLE’S NICOMACHEAN ETHICS
3
Can virtual friendship be genuine friendship as articulated by Aristotle in his Nicomachean
Ethics?
Twenty years ago, computers were mainly used for science, engineering, and business. Until relatively recently computers were not a common household object. It is clear that this increase in technology has had an effect on our everyday social interaction. This new technology is causing people to become socially isolated from their peers and is preventing them from forming genuine social relationships. However according to Katz and Aspden new technology, especially the internet, helps people connect with each other. It allows individuals to form groups of people, on the basis of common interests, rather than convenience.
As stated by Barbro Fröding and Martin Peterson, social networking sites, such as
Facebook and Twitter, are playing a major role in the social interactions of today’s world. Such websites/applications offer people the opportunity to reinvent themselves since, similar to electronic mail, provide more time to think before expressing oneself. Often, in face to face interactions, people do not have time to evaluate their words before speaking. However electronic mail or online wall posts can be edited and
Can virtual friendship be genuine friendship as articulated by Aristotle in his Nicomachean
Ethics?
Aimee Muscat
University of Malta
1
FRIENDSHIP IN ARISTOTLE’S NICOMACHEAN ETHICS
Abstract
Aristotle defines friendship as a single soul dwelling in two bodies. With the introduction of online social networking, the way we form friendships has changed considerably over the past decade. The purpose of this paper is to give an insight, on the various views there are, on whether social media can provide us with a friendship based on virtue as described by Aristotle in his Nicomachean Ethics.
Keywords: Aristotle, Friendship, Nicomachean Ethics
2
FRIENDSHIP IN ARISTOTLE’S NICOMACHEAN ETHICS
3
Can virtual friendship be genuine friendship as articulated by Aristotle in his Nicomachean
Ethics?
Twenty years ago, computers were mainly used for science, engineering, and business. Until relatively recently computers were not a common household object. It is clear that this increase in technology has had an effect on our everyday social interaction. This new technology is causing people to become socially isolated from their peers and is preventing them from forming genuine social relationships. However according to Katz and Aspden new technology, especially the internet, helps people connect with each other. It allows individuals to form groups of people, on the basis of common interests, rather than convenience.
As stated by Barbro Fröding and Martin Peterson, social networking sites, such as
Facebook and Twitter, are playing a major role in the social interactions of today’s world. Such websites/applications offer people the opportunity to reinvent themselves since, similar to electronic mail, provide more time to think before expressing oneself. Often, in face to face interactions, people do not have time to evaluate their words before speaking. However electronic mail or online wall posts can be edited and
References: Brian Kong Psy.D., C. (2014). » South Park and the Innovation of Loneliness - Psychology & Pop Culture.Psych Central.com Cantory.blogspot.com,. (2007). The Wire: Aristotle and his view of Friendship. Retrieved 25 May 2014, from http://cantory.blogspot.com/2007/12/aristotle-and-his-view-offriendship.html Classics.mit.edu,. (2014). The Internet Classics Archive | Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle. Constitution.org,. (2014). Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics. Retrieved 25 May 2014, from http://www.constitution.org/ari/ethic_08.htm Enlightenment.supersaturated.com,. (2014). enlightenment: Carolyn Ray: Friendship in Aristotle 's Nicomachean Ethics Gradesaver.com,. (2014). Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics Summary | GradeSaver. Retrieved 25 May 2014, from http://www.gradesaver.com/aristotles-ethics/study-guide/short-summary/ Kraut, R. (2001). Aristotle 's Ethics. Plato.stanford.edu. Retrieved 25 May 2014, from http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/aristotle-ethics/