Splash Biography

In this class, you will learn more about the moral foundations of the most intriguing and fascinating bond of our lives: friendship. Is it permissive to lie or to conceal the truth from a friend ? Is friendship subsumed under a more general notion of justice or does it have its own rules ? These are examples of the topics that we will cover.

It is often said that friendship is a particular bond that is difficult to define. In the movies or in literature, we always see the same vague definition : it is a long-standing bound based on a reciprocal affection. This common thought is not different from what Montaigne asserted in 1572 AC. Since he was unable to give a formal definition, he argued that the bond between two friends can be compared to sewing (« couture »). However, if friendship is a binding link we must ask ourselves : is it a constraining link or a voluntary sign of freedom? What are our duties to our friends ? What is the difference between love and friendship ? In the age of technology and fast-paced lifestyles, it is crucial to have a long-term thinking. Friendship is a fundamental notion of our existence and understanding it is a great step towards the ‘good life.’ (Aristotle)