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Understanding Prudence in Decision Making

May 24, 2025

Lecture on Prudence and Decision Making

Definition and Importance

  • Prudence: The ability to deliberate well in decision-making, especially with social or moral implications.
    • Connects intellectual ability with moral ends.
    • Aims for human flourishing, both individually and societally (Aristotle).
  • Deliberation: Necessary process to define goals and weigh options towards virtuous actions.
    • Virtuous actions require deliberate thought and intention to do good.
    • Quote: "A true and reasoned state of capacity to act with regard to the things that are good or bad for man" (Aristotle).

Examples of Prudence in Personal Decisions

  1. Brushing Teeth

    • Decision: To brush or not?
    • Deliberation led to brushing due to benefits:
      • Better personal health
      • Improved relationships and social perceptions
      • Avoidance of dental expenses
      • Overall personal flourishing
  2. Relationship Decision

    • Situation: Hesitation in having a needed discussion with a partner.
    • Outcome: Despite fear, a discussion was had, showing the value of vulnerability and honesty.
  3. College Decision

    • Situation: Choosing between Georgetown and UGA after being taken off Georgetown's waitlist.
    • Deliberation process:
      • Considered future prospects and school reputations.
      • Mother's advice was influential.
      • Decision: Georgetown for its prestige and connections.
    • Utilized Aristotle's concepts:
      • Eubulia: Good counsel (advice from mother).
      • Synesis: Understanding the fun but less prestigious option of UGA.
      • Gnome: Final decision to choose Georgetown.
  4. Mending a Friendship

    • Situation: Realized wrongdoing to a friend.
    • Decision: Whether to reach out and apologize.
    • Result: Discussion led to a better understanding and personal growth.

Concept of Freedom in Decision Making

  • Agency: Capacity to make free choices.
  • Examples:
    • College Decision: Binary choice between Georgetown and UGA.
    • Brushing Teeth: Simple binary decision with the possibility of impractical partial options.
  • Influence of community and advice on decision-making:
    • Mother's influence pivotal in college decision.

Conclusion

  • Prudence involves careful deliberation and seeking advice (eubulia) to make decisions that lead to personal and societal flourishing.
  • Freedom and agency play roles, but choices often have limited practical options.
  • Importance of understanding personal and external influences on decisions.