Understanding Philia: The Ancient Greek Concept of Friendship

Philia (φιλία) is a Greek word that refers to a type of love or friendship that is based on shared values, interests, and mutual affection. It is often used to describe close relationships between friends, family members, or fellow citizens.
In ancient Greece, philia was considered one of the three main types of love, along with eros (romantic love) and storge (familial love). Philia was seen as a more rational and virtuous form of love, as it was based on mutual respect and shared values rather than physical attraction or biological ties.
Philia is still used in modern Greek to describe close friendships, and the word has been adopted into English to describe similar types of relationships. For example, we might use the phrase "philial love" to describe a deep and enduring friendship that is based on shared interests and values.