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Phronesis

Philosophy
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

Phronesis is practical wisdom or prudence, the intellectual virtue of knowing how to act in concrete situations. It involves ethical deliberation and judgment.

Detailed Definition
Aristotle distinguishes phronesis from theoretical wisdom. In poetry, it appears in narratives of moral decision-making or in the poet's own judgment in crafting a work. Poems often explore themes of choice and responsibility, depicting characters who exercise (or lack) practical wisdom. This concept brings an ethical dimension to poetry, as it engages with the complexities of human action and the wisdom needed to live well.
Example
Example in poetry:
The practical wisdom of a character in a poem by Robert Frost, such as the farmer in "Mending Wall," can be read as phronesis; The advice of a wise speaker in a poem, like the father in a sonnet by William Wordsworth, demonstrates phronesis; A poem that dramatizes a moment of ethical decision-making, like "The Gift Outright" by Robert Frost, is about phronesis; The awareness of limits, a theme in many poems about human ambition, reflects phronesis, the wisdom of knowing one's place.
Additional Notes
Phronesis is an intellectual virtue in Aristotle's ethics, meaning practical wisdom, prudence, or the ability to make sound judgments about how to act in specific, concrete situations. It is not theoretical knowledge (episteme) but a form of practical intelligence that involves deliberation, experience, and an understanding of what is good for a human being. In poetry, phronesis appears in narratives that dramatize moral decision-making, or in the character of a speaker who shows wisdom and good judgment. A poem might explore the weight of a difficult choice, presenting a character who must use their phronesis. This concept brings a vital ethical dimension to poetry, making it a medium for exploring the complexities of human action and the wisdom needed to live a good life.
Also Known As
Practical wisdom Prudence Deliberative excellence
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