Single Idea 23915

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 1. Purpose of a State]

Full Idea

It seems to be most of all the function of politics to produce friendship.

Gist of Idea

The main function of politics is to produce friendship

Source

Aristotle (Eudemian Ethics [c.333 BCE], 1245b22)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Eudemian Ethics', ed/tr. Reeve, C.D.C. [Hackett 2021], p.111


A Reaction

Lovely! Most people would probably cite wealth and security as the main aims. This function seems to require quite a high degree of equality, though Aristotle doesn't think it essential.

Related Ideas

Idea 21093 Friendship without community spirit misses out on the main part of virtue [Hume]

Idea 2808 Master and slave can have friendship through common interests [Aristotle]

Idea 23916 The best cure for mutual injustice is friendship [Aristotle]