Liebe und Freundschaftsliebe als Voraussetzung für ein glückliches Leben und eine gelingende Gemeinschaft – Positionen aus der Philosophie der Antike

Abstract

The broad variety of concepts of love and friendship can be demonstrated as early as in ancient philosophy. Two fundamental and opposing categories emerge: asymmetry and symmetry in the relationship between two persons. While asymmetrical forms of love carry the potential for non-fulfilment and the resulting individual despair, symmetrical forms of love and mutual friendship as formulated since Aristotle, offer the possibilities of an equivalent and equal relationship of mutual exchange on a level playing field. Thus, they not only form a prerequisite for a happy life of individuals, but also the basis for a successful and just social community.