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[Prudence] is the virtue of that part of the intellect…

“[Prudence] is the virtue of that part of the intellect [the calculative] to which it belongs; and . . . our choice of actions will not be right without Prudence any more than without Moral Virtue, since, while Moral Virtue enables us to achieve the end, Prudence makes us adopt the right means to…” quote by Aristotle
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“[Prudence] is the virtue of that part of the intellect [the calculative] to which it belongs; and . . . our choice of actions will not be right without Prudence any more than without Moral Virtue, since, while Moral Virtue enables us to achieve the end, Prudence makes us adopt the right means to the end.”

Aristotle

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Prudence is the practical intellect that selects the correct means to achieve moral ends.

In simple terms: Prudence guides right actions.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate practical wisdom.

Themes

virtue reason ethics

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • decision making
  • leadership
  • personal development

Key Concepts

practical wisdom means-end reasoning

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance means and ends?
  • What role does virtue play in your decisions?
A Different Perspective

Prudence alone cannot guarantee moral outcomes without virtue.

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