The Philosophy of Friendship: What Makes a True Friend?
Exploring the Qualities That Define True Friendship
Introduction: True Friendship
Friendship plays a vital role in our lives, but what truly makes someone a "true" friend? In this lesson, we'll explore the qualities that define true friendship through a mix of philosophical insights and practical steps for forming meaningful connections.
Goal: Understand the key qualities that define true friendship and reflect on your own relationships.
Quote of the Day
"Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies." — Aristotle (Greek Philosopher)
Discussion Question:
What does this quote mean to you? How do you think it relates to the concept of true friendship?
First Breakout Room Discussion
Essential Qualities for True Friendship
What qualities do you think are essential for a true friendship?
Friendship Tested
Can you think of a time when a friendship was tested? What happened, and how did it impact your relationship?
The Philosophy of Friendship
Philosophers like Aristotle argued that true friendship is based on mutual respect and a shared pursuit of virtue. Today we will explore how these ideas compare to the modern process of forming friendships.
Aristotle's philosophy on friendship provides a foundation for understanding the deeper aspects of human connections. By examining his concepts alongside contemporary friendship formation, we can gain valuable insights into the nature of meaningful relationships.
Key Expressions from Upcoming Video
A sure-fire way
A guaranteed method to achieve a particular result
A necessary evil
Something unpleasant that must be done in order to achieve a good result.
Hit it off
To quickly become good friends with someone.
Play it cool
To act calm and composed, especially to hide your true feelings.
Give it a shot
To try something, even if you're not sure it will succeed.
Play it by ear
To decide how to deal with a situation as it develops, rather than planning how you will act beforehand.
Video Introduction
Let's watch a short, fun video that explores practical steps for making new friends, which ties into the philosophical qualities we've discussed.
Instruction: As you watch, listen for these key expressions and think about how they apply to your experiences with making friends.
Let's Watch!
Key Takeaways from the Video
Effort and Rewards
Making friends requires effort, but the rewards are worth it.
True Friendships
True friendships are formed through shared experiences and mutual respect.
Being a Good Friend
Being a good friend involves being patient, present, and kind.
Key Expressions Review
1
Give it a shot
To try something, even if you're not sure it will succeed.
2
Play it cool
To act calm and composed, especially to hide your true feelings.
3
Hit it off
To quickly become good friends with someone.
4
A necessary evil
Something unpleasant that must be done in order to achieve a good result.
5
Play it by ear
To decide how to deal with a situation as it develops, rather than planning how you will act beforehand.
6
A sure-fire way
A guaranteed method to achieve a particular result
Expression Review Exercise
Match the Expression
Activity: Let’s review the key expressions with a gap fill exercise. Complete the sentences below with the appropriate expression:
  1. Joining a club is __________ to meet people who share your interests.
  1. Sometimes, making small talk can feel like __________, but it’s important for getting to know someone.
  1. When I met my best friend, we instantly __________ and have been close ever since.
  1. If you're not sure about something, just __________ and see what happens.
  1. It’s important to __________ when meeting new people, so you don’t come off too strong.
  1. We didn’t have a plan for the day, so we just decided to __________ and see what we felt like doing.
Expression Review Answers
Match the Expression
  1. Joining a club is a sure fire way to meet people who share your interests.
  1. Sometimes, making small talk can feel like a necessary evil, but it’s important for getting to know someone.
  1. When I met my best friend, we instantly hit it off and have been close ever since.
  1. If you're not sure about something, just give it a shot and see what happens.
  1. It’s important to play it cool when meeting new people, so you don’t come off too strong.
  1. We didn’t have a plan for the day, so we just decided to play it by ear and see what we felt like doing.
Expression Discussion Questions
Can you think of a time when you "hit it off" with someone? How did it happen? Or, have you ever had to "play it cool" in a situation? Share your experiences.
Breakout Room Discussion Questions
Comparing Experiences
How do the steps to making a friend in the video compare to your experiences?
Additional Steps
What additional steps do you think are important in forming a true friendship?
Reflecting on Your Friendships
Think about your closest friendships. Which qualities do they have that align with the philosophy of true friendship? Are there areas where these relationships could be strengthened?
Activity:
Write down three qualities you believe are essential for a true friend and share with the group how these qualities have impacted your life.
Practical Tips for Nurturing True Friendships
Be Open and Honest
Be open and honest with your friends; trust is the foundation of any strong relationship.
Show Empathy and Understanding
Show empathy and understanding, especially during difficult times.
Invest Time and Effort
Invest time and effort in maintaining your friendships, even when life gets busy.
Final Breakout Room Discussion Questions
Applying Principles of True Friendship
How can we apply the principles of true friendship in our daily lives?
Challenges in Modern Friendships
What challenges do you think people face in forming and maintaining true friendships today?
Closing Thoughts
True friendship is a rare and valuable gift that requires effort, understanding, and mutual respect. By reflecting on the philosophical principles of friendship, we can strengthen our own relationships and build deeper connections with those around us.