ABSTRACT
Ethical considerations necessarily extend beyond interpersonal relationships and can be applied to the actions of individuals within society, and more importantly, to an examination of the impact of society on the individual. The tyranny, coercion, and manipulations that characterize social systems which have been corrupted by the misuse of power parallel the toxic personality traits and destructive behaviors which are acted out by many people in their interpersonal relationships. In evaluating the functions served by a particular society from an ethical perspective, one must consider the extent to which it provides for the welfare of its constituency. The friendship circle has developed as a distinct culture within the larger culture, with its own unique values, attitudes, and styles of working, traveling, and socializing. The Therapeutic Value of Friendship. Friendship, in contrast to a fantasy bond, is characterized by a lack of exclusiveness or possessiveness.
