Friendships and Social Life - Thomistic Insights | Prof. Thomas Hibbs & Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P.
Nov 29, 2024
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Join Professor Thomas Hibbs, a leading philosophy expert from Baylor University, and Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, a Dominican priest and University Chaplain at The Catholic University of America, as they delve into the essence of friendship. They discuss the alarming decline of meaningful relationships today, emphasizing insights from Aristotle and Aquinas on the intrinsic value of true friendship. The conversation critiques modern individualism, advocating for a richer understanding of community and the common good, highlighting how genuine connections can alleviate suffering.
The decline of genuine friendship in modern society highlights the need for authentic relationships to foster social cohesion and personal fulfillment.
Aristotle and Aquinas stress that true friendships, rooted in shared experiences, provide emotional support and alleviate sorrow during adversity.
Deep dives
The Decline of Friendship and Civic Engagement
Recent surveys indicate a dramatic decline in friendship and civic engagement, with the average number of close friends falling from 3.5 to 1.7 over the past few decades. This decline is coupled with a marked increase in political animosity, where nearly 45% of Americans express hatred towards members of opposing political parties. As loneliness becomes prevalent, many individuals seek community and belonging through social media and identity politics, highlighting a cultural shift away from authentic relationships. These trends suggest a need to reassess the value of genuine friendship in fostering social cohesion and personal fulfillment.
Friendship as a Pursuit of Genuine Good
Aristotle's philosophy emphasizes that true friendship is an integral part of a flourishing life, enriching our existence beyond mere transactions or utility. Genuine friendships arise from shared experiences and mutual understanding, not from superficial interactions or market-driven connections. The essence of friendship is found in the enjoyment of each other's company and in the inherent worth of those relationships, underscoring that they should be pursued for their own sake rather than as a means to an end. This understanding posits that the quality of friendships significantly impacts our overall happiness and well-being.
The Role of Sorrow in Friendship
Both Aristotle and Aquinas highlight the importance of shared experiences, particularly in facing adversity, as a foundation for deep friendships. Aquinas suggests that true friendship can alleviate sorrow, as friends share burdens and provide emotional support during difficult times. This dynamic fosters a deeper connection, recognizing that love can manifest in selfless actions and sacrificial support. Through these interactions, individuals not only support each other in suffering but also cultivate a richer understanding of communal and personal joy.
Professor Thomas Hibbs and Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau discuss the importance of friendship and social life from a Thomistic perspective, highlighting the decline in friendships in modern society and the philosophical insights of Aristotle and Aquinas on the nature of human relationships.
This lecture was given on June 29th, 2024, at The Dominican House of Studies.
Thomas Hibbs is currently J. Newton Rayzor Sr. Professor of Philosophy at Baylor where he is also Dean Emeritus, having served for 16 years as the inaugural Dean of the Honors College. At Baylor he was also the inaugural director of Baylor in Washington, D.C. where he currently runs a summer program on Religion and Social Life. He has served as department chair at Boston College and as president of the University of Dallas.
A native of Louisiana, Fr. Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P., entered the Dominican Province of St. Joseph in 2005. After several years of pastoral work in New York City, Fr. Guilbeau began doctoral studies in moral theology at the University of Fribourg, where he completed a dissertation on St. Thomas Aquinas’s doctrine of the common good. Currently, Fr. Guilbeau serves as the University Chaplain and Vice President for Ministry and Mission at The Catholic University of America.
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