Aither 13/2015:34-45 | DOI: 10.5507/aither.2015.004

Aristotle, the Friend

Kryštof Boháček

Filosofický ústav AV ČR, v. v. i.

The article focuses on the philosophical principle known as Amicus Plato, sed magis amica veritas. The first part describes the evolution of this legendary school dogma, starting from Bacon's first scholastic formulation to the widespread use caused by Cervantes' popularization. The author proposes an Aristotelian question of the origin and causes of this principle. The second part is therefore returned to Aristotle as Bacon's source. Aristotle himself, however, was inspired by his teacher Plato, as evidenced on passages of dialogues Phaedo, Republic, and Sophist. In the third part, the author tries to find causes why Aristotle uses this principle in the context of Nicomachean Ethics I. One answer is his continuing in Plato's theoretical perspective. But the second answer is offered in the fourth part, through the analysis of the concept of friendship, as was widespread in ancient Greece. The last part, with the help of Nicomachean Ethics VIII trying to find Aristotle's views on friendship in the middle between Plato and political thinkers of that time.

Published: March 30, 2015  Show citation