Gallery of Art Philosophical Discussion: Gabriel Philipp, Siena College.

CIR Interns at the Gallery of Art. Rohan Sivakumar (Left), Connor Stout (Middle), Gabriel Philipp (Right). Viewing Breezing Up (A Fair Wind) by Winslow Homer, 1873-76.

On June 21, 2025, CIR Interns Rohan Sivakumar (University of Chicago), Connor Stout (Denison University Ohio) and I, Gabriel Philipp (Siena College) attended a philosophical discussion on friendship at the National Gallery of Art. The event was organized by Mr. Juan Carlos as part of the “Philosophy Explained Through Art” series. It drew a large and diverse crowd, with attendees from various backgrounds bringing different perspectives on both philosophy and the art tied to the theme of friendship. The main goal was to reflect on and discuss the nature of friendship, ultimately asking: What does it mean to be a friend, and what defines a best friend?

What is Friendship? 

CIR Interns at the Gallery of Art. Gabriel Philipp (Left),

Rohan Sivakumar (Middle), Connor Stout (Right) 

There was an engaging discussion about what friendship truly means and what it takes to form a genuine connection with another person. A major focus was the idea of giving as a key sign of friendship—emphasizing that real friendship is built on mutual interest and a commitment to one another. We explored how someone can become a best friend when the relationship allows for open communication, honest teaching, and constructive criticism. True friends share a bond formed through shared experiences and interests, and they show they prioritize each other. For example, if a friend is in trouble, you drop everything to help. There was also talk about how good friends influence each other to grow and strive to be their best selves—especially in each other’s eyes. Another interesting part of the discussion compared childhood to adult friendships. Childhood friendships are special because both people are experiencing life for the first time and growing up together. Adult friendships, while sometimes more judgmental, can still be deeply meaningful—shaped by new experiences and grounded in more mature understanding of life. The conversation offered a thoughtful and layered look at the ways friendship evolves over time, while opening the door to discussion on human connection and the future of what defines friendship. 

Takeaway: 

Overall, the discussion explored the many factors that shape what true friendship means. In today’s world, there’s growing concern about how friendship is evolving—especially with technology playing such a big role in today's world. While tech can enhance connection, it can also reduce the need to build deep, in-person relationships. We’re seeing a decline in social behavior, which not only has serious effects on mental health but also raises questions about how much we still value genuine friendship. There’s also uncertainty about future technologies, like AI and social media, and how they will influence the way we interact and connect with one another. It is something that needs to be watched with open eyes.