PRUDENCE

Definition of Prudence

  • Ability to govern and discipline oneself using reason and self-control.

  • Merriam-Webster Definition: Ability to restrain oneself.

Etymology of Prudence

  • Derived from Old French "prudence" and Latin "prudentia" (foresight, sagacity).

Nature of Prudence

  • Prudence as an Intellectual and Moral Virtue

    • Intellectual Virtues: Acquired through practice (e.g., understanding, reasoning).

    • Moral Virtues: Governs actions towards a good end.

  • Prudence as Regulatory Framework

    • Necessary for judging virtuous vs. vicious actions, relevant at specific times and contexts.

  • Prudence in Action

    • It is about doing the right thing, at the right time, and in the right place.

Prudence and Cautiousness

  • Synonymous with cautiousness; implies reluctance to take unnecessary risks.

  • Role of prudence: weigh consequences and avoid hasty decisions.

Decision-Making Guidelines

  • Slow down decision-making; ask key questions regarding urgency, alternatives, information, and potential consequences.

Historical Perspective on Prudence

  • Ancient Greeks and Thomas Aquinas viewed prudence as the foundation and guiding principle of all virtues.

Integral Parts of Prudence

  • First Principles of Practical Reason:

    • Major component is "Synderesis"

    • Inclinations towards human goods that are fundamental to human nature.

  • Key Elements:

    • Memoria (Memory): Learning from experience.

    • Docilitas (Docility): Openness to learn from others.

    • Intelligentia (Understanding): Knowledge of first principles.

    • Sollertia (Shrewdness): Quick-witted evaluation of situations.

    • Ratio (Reasoning): Effective reasoning and logical comparisons.

    • Providentia (Foresight): Estimating potential effects of actions.