prudence

Complementary virtues¶

This one has undergone some linguistic shifts:

• The virtue of phrónēsis (practical wisdom) is often translated to the English word “prudence” in older works.
• The Latin prudentia (one of the four Cardinal Virtues) can be something like rationality or foresight or wisdom.
• In current popular use, “prudence” more resembles caution or a conservative skepticism towards innovation (and sometimes even the vice of overcautiousness).

Contrasting vices¶

• carelessness
• cunning (a sort of false prudence)
• imprudence
• recklessness

Virtues possibly in tension¶

TBD

How to acquire or strengthen it¶

TBD

Notes and links¶

• Notes on Prudence (David, LessWrong)
• Positive Psychology News: In Praise of Prudence
• Skills You Need: Risk Management
• Aristotle on prudence (phrónēsis)
• Videos:
  • Our Loss of Wisdom
  • Using Our Practical Wisdom
  • Practical Wisdom
  • Practical Wisdom
  • Doing the Right Thing for the Right Reason

Mentioned elsewhere¶

• One of The VIA Institute’s "Character Strengths" (see their page)
• One of William De Witt Hyde’s virtues

Inspirational quotes¶

• “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.” (Proverbs 22:3)
• “The most decisive actions of our life — I mean those that are most likely to decide the whole course of our future — are, more often than not, unconsidered.” —Andre Gide