Nicomachean Ethics · Chapter
Book VI: Intellectual Virtues and the Unity of Prudence and Moral Virtue explained
Aristotle distinguishes between the intellectual virtues, focusing on prudence (practical wisdom) and wisdom (theoretical wisdom).
What happens
Aristotle distinguishes between the intellectual virtues, focusing on prudence (practical wisdom) and wisdom (theoretical wisdom). He argues that prudence is not merely cleverness but requires moral virtue to discern the true end of action. Prudence and moral virtue are interdependent: one cannot be fully good without prudence, nor prudent without moral virtue. He also discusses the relationship between natural virtue and fully developed virtue, the role of reason in moral action, and the superiority of wisdom over prudence, as wisdom contemplates the highest, divine objects.
Themes in this chapter
Practical Wisdom and Reason
Central theme: prudence as the intellectual virtue that guides right action, requiring moral virtue to discern the true end.
Virtue and Character
Explores the interdependence of moral virtue and prudence, and the distinction between natural virtue and fully developed virtue.
The Good and Happiness
Discusses the ultimate end (the good) as the starting point for practical reasoning, known only to the good man.
Characters to notice
- Aristotle
Primary author; defines prudence, wisdom, and their relation to moral virtue.
- Socrates
Mentioned for his view that all virtues are forms of prudence; Aristotle corrects this, holding that virtues imply prudence.
- Anaxagoras
Cited as an example of a wise man lacking prudence, being ignorant of his own advantage.
- Polyclitus
Mentioned as a master of his art, illustrating the application of 'wisdom' in the arts.
- Homer
Quoted from the Margites to illustrate the concept of general wisdom.
Key passages
“it is impossible to be prudent without being morally good.”
One cannot possess practical wisdom without also having moral virtue.
Aristotle's key conclusion on the unity of virtue and prudence.
“Virtue is not simply a formed habit in accordance with right reason, but a formed habit implying right reason.”
Virtue is not just acting according to correct reasoning, but a disposition that inherently involves correct reasoning.
Refines the definition of virtue to emphasize the internal role of reason.
“The presence of the single virtue of prudence implies the presence of all the moral virtues.”
If a person has practical wisdom, they necessarily possess all the moral virtues.
Argues for the inseparability and mutual implication of the virtues.