Abstract

For Greek and Roman philosophers, the ideal friendship can only exist among virtuous people, who by their intercourse help one another to become morally perfect. While Christian authors transfer this concept of friendship to the relationship between God and mankind, in later centuries friendship is understood as social duty. Industrialization with its increasing social and educational differentiation causes social changes that influence the reality as well as the theory of friendship, so that it is no longer thought of as lasting for a life and concerning all aspects of life. In the wake of this weakening of friendship, sociology even criticizes the wish for friendship as a selfish attitude that should be replaced by participation in groups with shared interests. Modern philosophy tends to confirm the importance of friendship for the development of tolerance and social competence.