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Full Idea
The best translation of 'phronesis' is probably not 'prudence' (which implies a non-moral motive), or 'practical wisdom' (which makes it sound contemplative), but 'practical intelligence', or just 'intelligence'.
Gist of Idea
'Phronesis' should translate as 'practical intelligence', not as prudence
Source
Julia Annas (The Morality of Happiness [1993], 2.3)
Book Ref
Annas,Julia: 'The Morality of Happiness' [OUP 1995], p.73
| 3541 | Ancient ethics uses attractive notions, not imperatives [Annas] |
| 3542 | We should do good when necessary, not maximise it [Annas] |
| 3543 | Cyrenaics pursue pleasure, but don't equate it with happiness [Annas] |
| 3546 | 'Phronesis' should translate as 'practical intelligence', not as prudence [Annas] |
| 3547 | Epicureans achieve pleasure through character development [Annas] |
| 3550 | Principles cover life as a whole, where rules just cover actions [Annas] |
| 3551 | Virtue theory tries to explain our duties in terms of our character [Annas] |
| 3552 | If excessively good actions are admirable but not required, then duty isn't basic [Annas] |