Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-2020
Department
Philosophy
Abstract
When considering the value of friendship, most philosophers ignore the negatives. Most assume that humans need friends to flourish, and some argue that friendships can be good, no matter the risks entailed. This makes conversations about the value of friendship one-sided. Here, I argue that Cynics and Pessimists have an important view on friendship, despite it being ignored. They hold that: (a) friendship is unnecessary for flourishing, and (b) friendship presents ethical risks, especially to one’s own self-sufficiency. I defend these views. Then I conclude with reflections on why Cynics and Pessimists actually make great friends. By helping people to focus on vulgar human nature and the flaws that humans have, they create an unpretentious basis for friendship.
Original Publication Information
Trujillo, Jr., G.M. "Friendship for the Flawed: A Cynical and Pessimistic Theory of Friendship." 2020. Southwest Philosophy Review 36(1): 199-209.
ThinkIR Citation
Trujillo, Glenn "Boomer" Mac, "Friendship for the Flawed: A Cynical and Pessimistic Theory of Friendship" (2020). Faculty and Staff Scholarship. 455.
https://ir.library.louisville.edu/faculty/455
DOI
10.5840/swphilreview202036122
ORCID
0000-0003-2534-5390
