Nicomachean Ethics · Chapter
The Intellectual Virtues explained
This chapter explores the intellectual virtues, distinguishing prudence (practical wisdom) from wisdom and science.
What happens
This chapter explores the intellectual virtues, distinguishing prudence (practical wisdom) from wisdom and science. It argues that prudence is necessary for moral virtue, as it enables right means to noble ends, and that full virtue requires prudence. The chapter also discusses cleverness, natural versus developed virtue, and the relationship between prudence and the other intellectual faculties.
Themes in this chapter
Practical Wisdom and Reason
Prudence is defined as the intellectual virtue of the calculative part, essential for right action and inseparable from moral virtue.
Virtue and Character
The chapter distinguishes natural virtue from fully developed virtue, which requires prudence and reason.
The Good and Happiness
Prudence is linked to the pursuit of the supreme good, which only the good man correctly apprehends.
Characters to notice
- Aristotle
Primary author and expositor of the intellectual virtues, prudence, and their relation to moral virtue.
- Socrates
Cited for his view that all virtues are forms of prudence, which Aristotle partially corrects.
- Anaxagoras
Mentioned as an example of a wise person lacking prudence, being ignorant of their own advantage.
- Polyclitus
Referenced as a master of portrait-statues, illustrating wisdom in the arts.
- Homer
Quoted from the Margites to illustrate general wisdom versus specific skill.
Key passages
“The presence of the single virtue of prudence implies the presence of all the moral virtues.”
Having prudence ensures that one possesses all moral virtues.
Aristotle argues that prudence integrates and perfects the moral virtues.
“Virtue is not simply a formed habit in accordance with right reason, but a formed habit implying right reason.”
Virtue is not just a habit that follows reason; it is a habit that inherently involves reason.
This refines the definition of virtue to emphasize the role of prudence.
“It is impossible to be good in the full sense without prudence, or to be prudent without moral virtue.”
Full moral goodness requires prudence, and prudence cannot exist without moral virtue.
Highlights the mutual dependence of prudence and moral virtue.