Do atheists believe in the existence of friendship?

[polymath257]

First, thank you all for taking the trouble to answer my first question by a big YES, though each of you did it by using his artistic talent

Now, it is time for the second question

If two persons stand before you, please let me know how you could be sure that friendship exists in them or not. Thank you.

Naturally, the third question will be based on how each of you will answer this second one

Just by watching them stand next to each other, it might be difficult to determine if there is a friendship or not, especially if you don't have a NMR machine handy. But, if you allow extensive interaction (which is typical for any scientific observation), it should become clear.

[arewethereyet]

This is winding its way slowly and painfully to how can you prove something you can't see. You can see what appears to be acts of friendship but you can't literally see friendship. Replace with 'gawd', wash, rinse, repeat.

SSDD

[brewer]

Hi,

My first point from this question is that if an atheist believes in the possible existence of friendship between two humans, how does he define the best friendship? (Please be aware, it is a tricky question )

Thank you.
Kerim

The ones that would take a bullet for me.

Unfortunately everytime one tries to prove it the list often grows smaller. (some only get flesh wounds)

[BrianSoddingBoru4]

(Bold mine)

Again, I reject the premise. I can’t imagine a set of circumstances that would make me try to be your friend.

Boru

Sorry, soon after I wrote you, I somehow predicted your reaction.
I admit that I had to say it differently.

Now, let us forget about me. And imagine any human on earth instead of me. What could be that thing?

The question still doesn’t apply, as I’ve never tried to make friends with anyone. Friendship is more organic than that.

Nor do I feel the need to demonstrate my friendship to other people. That's nonsensical.

Boru

[Simon Moon]

First, thank you all for taking the trouble to answer my first question by a big YES, though each of you did it by using his artistic talent

Now, it is time for the second question

If two persons stand before you, please let me know how you could be sure that friendship exists in them or not. Thank you.

Naturally, the third question will be based on how each of you will answer this second one

Friendship is the name we put on a series of behaviors and feelings demonstrated by humans toward each. And lack of other behaviors that one associates with not being friends.

Of course friendship exists, because we can see people demonstrating those behaviors toward each other.

If two people are standing before me, and they are demonstrating most or all of the behaviors we associate with friendship, are avoiding the behaviors we associate with not being friends, that is pretty good evidence that they are friends.

For example, if I see them help each other out, go to movies or concerts together, wish each other the best in life, become sad for each other if they are going through tough times, compliment each other, if one chooses the other to be her bridesmaid or best man at their wedding, etc, etc, etc, since that all is part of some of the collected behaviors we associate with friendship, as a third person observing them, I can be pretty sure they are friends.

Could I be wrong? Sure.

But the evidence is pretty compelling they are friends.

And yes, love, friendship, empathy, sympathy, dislike, etc, are all a result of brain function, and brain chemicals.

[Simon Moon]

Duplicate post.

[The Valkyrie]

Nope. Atheists don't believe in friendship, dragonfruit, or the color orange.

Wait.

I thought we didn't believe in yellow?

[Angrboda]

Nope.  Atheists don't believe in friendship, dragonfruit, or the color orange.

Wait.

I thought we didn't believe in yellow?

Obviously, it's not meant to be taken literally as orange or yellow but rather applies to all colors in the range of 550 to 650 nanometer wavelength.

[zebo-the-fat]

Wait.

I thought we didn't believe in yellow?

Obviously, it's not meant to be taken literally as orange or yellow but rather applies to all colors in the range of 550 to 650 nanometer wavelength.

I don't believe you!

[Nay_Sayer]

Nope.  Atheists don't believe in friendship, dragonfruit, or the color orange.

Wait.

I thought we didn't believe in yellow?

You're thinking of the Green Lanterns