The Guiding Hand: Prudence as the Architect of Temperance
Summary: In the pursuit of a well-lived life, the classical virtues stand as timeless beacons. Among these, temperance is often misconstrued as mere abstinence or joyless restriction. This article argues that true temperance is not a blind suppression of desire but a harmonious ordering, made possible and indeed defined by the guiding light of prudence. Without prudence, temperance risks becoming an arbitrary vice of deficiency or an ill-informed excess, demonstrating that practical wisdom is the indispensable architect of a balanced and flourishing existence.
Unveiling the Virtues: Prudence and Temperance in the Great Books
From the Stoics to Aristotle, and later through the profound insights of Aquinas, the Great Books of the Western World consistently place prudence (often rendered as phronesis or practical wisdom) at the pinnacle of the intellectual virtues. It is the ability to deliberate well about what is good and advantageous for oneself, not in some particular respect, but for living well generally. Prudence is the virtue that enables us to discern the appropriate means to a worthy end. It is the compass of the soul, guiding our actions towards the good.
Temperance (or sophrosyne), on the other hand, is frequently understood as moderation in the face of pleasures, particularly those of touch and taste. Yet, a superficial understanding misses its profound depth. It is not merely about not indulging, but about indulging correctly—at the right time, in the right amount, and for the right reason. This distinction is crucial, for without it, temperance can easily slide into either ascetic vice (insensibility) or a mere, unthinking abstention.
Prudence Unveiled: The Navigator of Right Action
Prudence is far more than simple caution; it is an active, intellectual virtue. It involves:
- Deliberation: Thoughtfully considering various courses of action.
- Judgment: Making sound decisions based on experience and understanding.
- Execution: Acting effectively upon those judgments.
It is the virtue that connects knowledge to action, allowing us to apply universal moral principles to specific, often complex, situations. A truly prudent person possesses a keen sense of what is appropriate, what is fitting, and what constitutes the mean between extremes. This practical wisdom is foundational, for without it, all other moral virtues—including temperance—lack their necessary guidance.
Temperance Reconsidered: The Harmony of Desire
When we speak of temperance, we are addressing the proper ordering of our appetites and desires. It is the virtue that masters the irrational parts of the soul, bringing them into alignment with reason. This isn't about eradicating desire, which would be impossible and undesirable, but about directing it towards the good.
Consider the common understanding of temperance and its associated vices:
| Virtue/Vice Category | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Excess (Vice) | Uncontrolled indulgence in pleasures; acting without restraint. | Gluttony, debauchery, unrestrained anger |
| Temperance (Virtue) | Harmonious moderation; enjoying pleasures appropriately and rationally. | Mindful eating, controlled expression, calm |
| Deficiency (Vice) | Insensibility or asceticism; an unnatural aversion to or complete suppression of natural desires. | Apathy, extreme self-deprivation |
True temperance navigates the narrow path between these extremes, a path that only prudence can illuminate.
The Indispensable Link: Why Prudence Guides Temperance
Herein lies the profound connection: prudence is the sine qua non of authentic temperance.
- Discerning the Mean: Aristotle famously taught that virtue lies in the mean between two extremes of vice. But how does one identify this mean in any given situation? What is the right amount of food, the appropriate level of amusement, or the just degree of passion? It is prudence that makes this discernment possible. It assesses the circumstances, the individual, and the end goal to determine what constitutes the temperate course of action.
- Beyond Blind Restriction: Without prudence, temperance can devolve into rigid rules or arbitrary self-denial. A person might abstain from all pleasures, believing themselves temperate, when in reality they are merely exhibiting the vice of insensibility or an unhealthy asceticism. Prudence ensures that moderation is rational, purposeful, and conducive to overall well-being.
- Navigating Complexity: Life is rarely black and white. Prudence allows us to adapt our pursuit of temperance to changing contexts. A prudent person understands that the "temperate" amount of food or drink might vary based on health, activity level, or social setting. This flexibility, grounded in wisdom, is what distinguishes true virtue from rigid dogma.
- Aligning Desires with Reason: Prudence acts as the bridge between our intellectual understanding of the good and our appetitive desires. It helps us see why ordering our desires is good, providing the rational motivation for the effort that temperance requires.
(Image: A classical Greek statue depicting Athena, often associated with wisdom and strategic warfare, with a hand gently resting on a figure representing sophrosyne or temperance, symbolizing wisdom guiding moderation.)
Virtue and Vice: The Prudent Path to Flourishing
The cultivation of prudence is thus paramount for anyone seeking to live a virtuous life. It is the master virtue that enables all other moral virtues to function correctly. Without prudence, courage can become recklessness, justice can become harshness, and temperance can become either indulgence or deprivation.
In the tradition of the Great Books, the ultimate goal is human flourishing (eudaimonia). This flourishing is not merely about feeling good, but about living well, acting excellently, and realizing one's full potential as a rational being. Prudence, by guiding our choices and shaping our character, is the indispensable tool for building a life of true temperance and, ultimately, profound wisdom.
Conclusion: Temperance as a Prudent Practice
To be truly temperate is to be wise in one's relationship with pleasure and desire. It is a state of inner harmony, a testament to the soul’s capacity for self-governance. This harmony is not stumbled upon; it is carefully constructed and maintained through the diligent exercise of prudence. As Benjamin Richmond, I urge you to reflect on how prudence can illuminate your own path to temperance, transforming it from a mere struggle against desire into a thoughtful and deliberate pursuit of a balanced, virtuous life.
📹 Related Video: ARISTOTLE ON: The Nicomachean Ethics
Video by: The School of Life
💡 Want different videos? Search YouTube for: ""Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Prudence Temperance" or "Thomas Aquinas Summa Theologica Virtues Explained""