The Thomistic Institute How Many Friends Should I Have? ‘A Lot,’ says Thomas Aquinas | Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P.
Jan 31, 2022
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Three Fold Structure Of Friendship
- Aristotle categorizes three friendships: pleasure, utility, and virtue, each with different ends and durability.
- Aquinas teaches the friendship of virtue subsumes pleasure and utility, integrating them rather than discarding them.
Build All Three Types Of Friends
- Cultivate all three friendship types: pleasure, utility, and virtue, because each serves human flourishing.
- Use imperfect friendships as stepping stones toward enduring virtuous friendship.
Friendship Needs A Shared Good
- Friendship requires a prior 'communicatio' — a shared good that grounds affection and conversation.
- With God, friendship is initiated by God offering a share in beatitude; we accept grace to be His friends.