Single Idea 3546

[catalogued under 20. Action / C. Motives for Action / 3. Acting on Reason / a. Practical reason]

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 Reference

Annas,Julia: 'The Morality of Happiness' [OUP 1995], p.73