Conclusion

Abstract This conclusion inquires into what the preceding chapters about friendship can tell about real friendships. One conclusion is that friendship has evolved and is therefore part of human nature. The chapter argues that friendship takes at least two forms, with one being instrumental, providing benefits, and one being constitutive, focused on the welfare of the friend and the quality of the friendship. The chapter outlines the requirements of a science of friendship, the primary requirement being a scholarly viable theory of friendship. Aristotle provides a framework for such a theory. Within this framework, psychological research, evolutionary science, attachment theory, and social identity theory (identity and social roles) can be integrated. Then, some educational implications are described relating especially to the importance of educating for friendship and avoiding the biases of individualism and instrumentalism. Finally, the chapter clarifies that this is not an advice book, but rather a book about an academic theory of friendship, albeit guided by the great friends that one has known.