The Indispensable Handshake: How Prudence Guides Temperance

In the grand tapestry of human character, virtues are the threads that give strength and beauty. Among these, Prudence and Temperance stand as two pillars, often discussed in isolation, yet profoundly interconnected. This article will argue that Prudence, often understood as practical wisdom, is not merely a companion to Temperance but its indispensable guide, the very faculty that allows Temperance to find its proper measure and avoid degenerating into either asceticism or laxity. Without the discerning eye of Prudence, Temperance risks becoming blind adherence or an unthinking suppression, rather than the intelligent moderation of desires that truly defines it.

Prudence: The Charioteer of Virtues

Prudence, or phronesis as Aristotle termed it, is the intellectual virtue concerned with practical action. It is the ability to deliberate well about what is good and advantageous for oneself, not in a narrow sense, but for living a good life generally. It is the bridge between intellect and action, enabling us to apply universal principles to particular circumstances.

Key Aspects of Prudence:

  • Deliberation: The careful consideration of means to achieve a good end.
  • Judgment: The capacity to correctly assess a situation and determine the appropriate course of action.
  • Command: The ability to direct oneself to execute the chosen action.
  • Experience: Prudence matures with experience, learning from past successes and failures.
  • Wisdom: Often equated with practical wisdom, Prudence is the art of living well.

It is through Prudence that we navigate the complexities of life, making choices that align with our long-term well-being and moral flourishing. It is the virtue that guides all other virtues, ensuring they are applied correctly and at the right time.

Temperance: The Virtue of Self-Mastery

Temperance, or sophrosyne, is the moral virtue that moderates our desires and pleasures, particularly those related to the body – eating, drinking, and sexual appetites. It is about self-control, ensuring that these natural inclinations do not overwhelm reason and lead us astray.

Understanding Temperance:

  • Moderation: Finding the "mean" between excess and deficiency.
  • Self-Control: The ability to resist immediate gratification for a greater good.
  • Harmony: Bringing our bodily desires into alignment with our rational faculties.
  • Inner Peace: A temperate person is not constantly battling internal urges but has achieved a degree of inner calm.

The Great Books of the Western World frequently illustrate Temperance as a cornerstone of a well-ordered soul and a stable society. Plato, for instance, in the Republic, describes it as a kind of harmony or agreement among the different parts of the soul.

While Temperance might seem straightforward – simply avoiding extremes – its true manifestation is far more nuanced. This is precisely where Prudence becomes essential. Temperance is not about indiscriminate abstinence or rigid denial; it is about right measure, and determining that right measure is the work of Prudence.

Consider the following points regarding their interdependence:

  1. Defining the "Mean": Aristotle famously argued that virtue lies in the mean between two extremes of vice – excess and deficiency. For Temperance, this means avoiding gluttony (excess) and insensitivity (deficiency) in eating, for example. But what constitutes the "mean" is not a fixed point; it varies with the individual, the circumstances, and the context. Prudence is the intellectual virtue that discerns this particular mean for each situation.
  2. Contextual Application: A temperate meal for a manual laborer is different from that for a scholar. A temperate celebration is different from a temperate period of study. Prudence allows us to assess these unique contexts and tailor our temperate actions accordingly. Without Prudence, one might apply a universal rule of temperance rigidly, leading to an inappropriate or even harmful outcome.
  3. Avoiding False Temperance: Without Prudence, Temperance can become:
    • Asceticism: An extreme denial of all pleasure, born not of rational choice but perhaps of fear or misguided dogma. A prudent person understands that certain pleasures are natural and even good in moderation.
    • Weakness: A lack of conviction, where one attempts to be temperate but lacks the practical wisdom to navigate temptations effectively.
    • Hypocrisy: Outward displays of moderation that mask inner turmoil or self-deception, because the individual lacks the prudent self-awareness to truly understand their desires.
  4. Long-Term Well-being: Prudence considers the long-term consequences of our actions. A temperate person, guided by Prudence, understands that excessive indulgence now might lead to ill health or regret later, while complete deprivation might lead to resentment or a diminished quality of life. Prudence helps balance immediate desires with overarching life goals.

(Image: A classical Greek marble bust depicting a serene, thoughtful male figure with a calm expression, suggesting deep contemplation and balanced judgment. The figure's eyes are cast slightly downwards, conveying introspection and the wisdom of practical reason.)

Cultivating Prudence for a Temperate Life

To live a truly temperate life, therefore, one must actively cultivate Prudence. This involves:

  • Self-Reflection: Regularly examining one's desires, motivations, and actions.
  • Learning from Experience: Reflecting on past decisions, both good and bad, to refine one's judgment.
  • Seeking Counsel: Consulting with wise individuals who possess greater experience and insight.
  • Education: Engaging with philosophical texts and ethical frameworks that illuminate the nature of virtue and the good life.
  • Practice: Like any skill, practical wisdom improves with consistent application in daily decision-making.

By honing our Prudence, we empower our Temperance, transforming it from mere restraint into a dynamic and intelligent form of self-mastery that contributes genuinely to our flourishing.

Conclusion

In the realm of virtue and vice, Prudence acts as the master architect, designing the proper structure for Temperance. It is Prudence that distinguishes genuine moderation from mere avoidance, and intelligent self-control from rigid dogma. The enduring wisdom found in the Great Books of the Western World reminds us that a truly virtuous life is not a collection of isolated traits, but an integrated whole, where each virtue supports and is refined by the others. For Temperance to truly shine as a virtue, it must be illuminated by the guiding light of Prudence, ensuring that our desires are not merely suppressed, but intelligently ordered towards the good.

Video by: The School of Life

💡 Want different videos? Search YouTube for: "Aristotle Nicomachean Ethics Prudence explained"

Video by: The School of Life

💡 Want different videos? Search YouTube for: "The Cardinal Virtues: Temperance and Wisdom"

Share this post