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.