The understanding of the concept of friendship in the Cynics

What is it about?

The common Greek code 'Help Friends/Harm Enemies' cannot suffice as an analysis of the concept of philia in the Socratic tradition. In this paper I focus on the Cynic understanding of behavior appropriate to friends and enemies and the philosophical sentiment that supports their understanding. I argue that there is change regarding both classes of the ethical principle and the behavior appropriate to each of them. In particular, to treat others beneficially, and thus to behave as a philos according to the Cynic conception, gives rise to distinct expectations that take as point of departure the principle of euteleia.

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