Work friendships are often tenuous and can depend on the quality of one’s productivity in the workplace environment. When the work suffers, then the friendship can quickly turn volatile. Sociologists often report that people will more likely fake their friendships at work not to upset their career prospects (Vernon, p. 27).

In at least 250 words total, please answer each of the following, drawing upon your reading materials and your personal insight. In this week’s reading material, the following philosophers discuss their views on this topic: Aristotle, Russell, Smith Ferguson, Marx and Simmel. Make sure to incorporate their views as you answer each discussion question. Think about how their views may be similar or different from your own as you answer the following questions:

• To what extent do you personally agree with the sociologist’s findings and distrust the sincerity of your work colleagues?
• What has been your own experience with enacting friendships of utility and/or feigning friendship in order to secure your employment or future career prospects? Do you believe this is ethical? Explain your answer. 

References:

• Cooley, D. R. (2002). “False Friends. (Links to an external site.)” Journal of Business Ethics. (195-207).  Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers. [PDF, File Size 1.1MB] Retrieved from http://vlib.excelsior.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=12130506&site=eds-live&scope=site
• Vernon, M. (2010). The Meaning of Friendship. New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan. Chapter 1: Friends at Work