Phronesis
Aristotle's concept of practical wisdom - knowing what to do in specific situations.
Also known as: Practical wisdom, Prudence, Situational wisdom
Category: Concepts
Tags: philosophies, wisdom, judgments, virtue, decision-making
Explanation
Phronesis is Aristotle's concept of practical wisdom - the capacity to discern the right course of action in particular circumstances. Unlike theoretical wisdom (sophia) which deals with universal truths, phronesis concerns: knowing what to do in specific situations, applying general principles to particular cases, and navigating moral and practical complexity. Phronesis involves: perception (seeing the situation clearly), judgment (determining what matters), deliberation (weighing options), and action (executing appropriately). It cannot be taught directly through rules because situations are unique - it develops through experience and reflection. Phronesis is the master virtue that guides application of other virtues - knowing when courage becomes recklessness or when generosity becomes foolishness. The person with phronesis has: good judgment, situational awareness, and ability to navigate ambiguity. For knowledge workers, phronesis means: developing judgment through experience, recognizing when rules need adaptation, and cultivating the wisdom to act appropriately in novel situations.
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