Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary virtue that guides decision-making according to the text?
What is the primary virtue that guides decision-making according to the text?
Prudence is defined by Aristotle as 'right thought applied to theory.'
Prudence is defined by Aristotle as 'right thought applied to theory.'
False
What does St. Augustine say about prudence?
What does St. Augustine say about prudence?
Prudence is the knowledge of what to seek and what to avoid.
Prudence is considered a virtue of the ______ intellect.
Prudence is considered a virtue of the ______ intellect.
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A prudent person may disregard the advice of others if it contradicts their own judgment.
A prudent person may disregard the advice of others if it contradicts their own judgment.
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Which of the following best describes the nature of prudence?
Which of the following best describes the nature of prudence?
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Match the following terms to their descriptions:
Match the following terms to their descriptions:
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A prudent person is often described as just, courageous, and ______.
A prudent person is often described as just, courageous, and ______.
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Study Notes
Prudence
Prudence is a virtue that allows us to judge correctly what is right and what is wrong in any given situation.
Aristotle defines prudence as "right reason applied to practice".
We lack prudence when we perceive evil as good.
Prudence requires us to seek counsel from others who have sound moral judgment.
Disregarding advice from others whose opinions differ from ours is a sign of imprudence.
Prudence is a virtue of thought that is practical rather than theoretical, and deliberative rather than intuitive.
The value of prudence lies in its application to action, which is the end of practical reason.
A prudent person embodies justice, courage, and temperance, and a good person is truly good only if they are prudent.
Knowledge and Application of Prudence
Prudence is the knowledge of how to act and how to conduct one's life rightly.
It is an intellectual virtue, belonging to the intellect rather than the will, as the intellect enlightens the will for its choices.
St. Augustine defines prudence as "the knowledge of what to seek and what to avoid".
Prudence belongs to the practical intellect (reason), not the speculative intellect.
Prudence is not just general knowledge of the right procedure, but rather involves applying that knowledge to concrete, individual situations in daily life.
Prudence allows a person to discern the measure of moral virtues and see how their actions can be reasonable.
It does not focus on impaired, excess, or deficiency of actions, as prudence is the knowledge of how things ought to be done.
Prudence gives orders or commands, but does not take over the work of the will (St. Augustine).
Prudence demonstrates with certainty and authority how the will ought to choose.
To a reasonable will, this amounts to a command, a chief act of prudence.
Prudence commands the will in a watchful, careful, and solicitous manner, ensuring right conduct.
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Description
Explore the concept of prudence as a vital virtue that enables correct moral judgment in various situations. This quiz discusses Aristotle's definition and the importance of seeking counsel in developing prudence. Gain insights into how prudence influences our actions and embodies other virtues such as justice and courage.
