The show “Friends” is intended to be a lighthearted sitcom about the lives of six single twenty-somethings who go through jobs, marriage, divorce, and other sorts of problems. However, historical philosophers would have a lot to say about the friends’ personalities and outlooks in life. Here are the schools of philosophy each character would represent:
crédito de los iconos usados en la portada : Carrie Cristancho
https://dribbble.com/shots/7054885-Friends-Icon-Set-Concept#
Monica: Utilitarianism. This late-17th century English philosophical school emphasizes that actions are morally right if they are useful or for the benefit of a majority. Hence, Monica is the “mother hen” of the group, the self-appointed leader, the one who always has the others’ best interests at heart. For Monica, immediate results must foster happiness and “the greatest amount of good for the greatest amount of people,” which is what this theory of morality is all about. Monica is obsessive about everything, but when she recognizes that her obsessions and quirks are close to hurting someone she cares about, that’s when she steps back, offers proper apologies, and sets things right with everyone.
Rachel: Objectivism. Ayn Rand’s theory of personal fulfillment emphasizes that every person can achieve a self-reliant existence, free from fear or anxiety if they face reality, rather than trying to escape or modify it. So, according to this theory, Rachel begins the series as a “princess” who’s ran away from the trap which has confined her most of her life, and ends up becoming a successful career woman, in the place she truly belongs in. As Rachel learns throughout the series, life is not made to cater to your every whim, and you cannot simply wish for things to happen; you must work hard to make them happen to achieve higher purpose and meaning. By adapting to the experiences, and with a little help from the people who care for her, Rachel becomes less shallow and desperate, and learns that a life of money and luxury cannot replace a life of love, friendship, and success.
Phoebe: Taoism. This Eastern school of thought could be equated to “go with the flow.” And that’s Phoebe: she’s ‘out-there,’ playing her guitar, meditating, and offering bizarre perspectives which the others don’t understand most of the time. She’s all about existing in harmony with the universe. Phoebe is a vegan, opposes animal cruelty, and has always been vocal about her belief in reincarnation. She describes herself as a “free spirit”, unafraid to be herself regardless of other people’s opinions. All of these can be considered personality traits of Taoists.
Joey: Hedonism. Hedonism is, to put it simply, the seek for pleasure through immediate indulgence, and it’s clear Joey thrives in indulgence. To him, women are kissing poles; and think twice before asking him to share his food. He could spend an entire episode talking about both subjects as if they were the most important in the world. But Joey does not only apply his hedonistic philosophy so vacuously. Another aspect of his life in which he finds immediate pleasure is his friendships. Joey is perhaps the most loyal, kindhearted person in the group; he’s constantly sacrificed his needs for the well-being and happiness of his friends. Like ancient Greek hedonists, Joey is simple, genuine, and all about having a good time. He may not be the brightest, but his heart is always on the right place; and his simple-mindedness has a benefit, since it often provides a sense of relief for the others’ own cluttered headspaces, making him an intellectual of his own right.
Chandler: Cynicism. The first thing I noticed about Chandler when I started watching the show is that he can’t think of anything of his that is remarkable, or a great source of pride. And if we pay close attention to Chandler’s character, we’ll notice he is, indeed, the most normal member of the ensemble. He dresses conservatively (as in a suit and tie) most of the time, and has gone for the safest professional bet, holding a tedious but high-paying position for an unspecified company. In the early seasons, Chandler’s immense levels of self-loathing (for the above reasons), lead to misguided choices. But with time, Chandler matures. He comes to accept himself for who he is and learns to take people and things seriously; thereby adopting the Cynics’ vision of virtue being the sole necessity for life. I dare to say Chandler is my favorite character of the show in terms of writing. He’s quick-witted and reliable, and had the most believable arc and development, ending the series as perhaps the most well-balanced of the six friends. Could he BE any more lovable?
Ross: Epicureanism. Ross is the nerd of the group, the only one with a PhD; and this can make him extremely arrogant. But ultimately, he’s a good dad, son, ex-husband, friend, and older brother…well, at least he tries to be. Ross is a very complex character; despite being a paleontologist and tenured college professor, he lacks much needed social experience, and can be as effectively rational as he is lethally stupid. Epicureanism, unlike hedonism, focus more on intellectual enrichment than sensual pleasure. As such, Ross wants to settle for a simple lifestyle (a stable relationship, kids, and a marriage that does not end in divorce); and his quiet, intellectual interests (dinosaurs, fossils) earn him mockery from his friends. Not to mention the fact he would rather live by himself than share an apartment like the others. He is just so different from the rest of the group, which coupled with his insecurities, is perhaps the reason he does not have much luck (along with Chandler). As any good epicurean, Ross is the most likely to reveal his ideal evening plan as a symphony and a fancy five-star dinner. He always tries to do the right thing; but in many ways, he’s his own worst enemy.
I thank the YouTuber “Monitor Fantasma” for laying out, in his video, the basis for this research.
Quite accurate as always. Loved the descriptions.