Roger-Pol Droit's Ideological Beliefs
"Risking Audacity: Reviving an Ancient Concept", by Catherine Van Offelen, Gallimard, "Insight", 182 p., 20 €, digital 15 €.
THE FORGOTTEN VIRTUE OF DECISIVE ACTION
Translating is a form of betrayal. It's a known fact. But sometimes, betrayal can be lethal. When an idea is encapsulated by a term that suggests something completely different, it eventually becomes misconstrued, fades away, and dies. That's what happened to the phronesis of the ancient Greeks. A pivotal, central, essential concept, it signified in antiquity the intelligent action that combines sharp thinking and boldness, calculated risk-taking and control, clear-headedness and courage. Heroes like Ulysses from Homer and Pericles in Athens embodied it admirably. Philosopher Aristotle, particularly in the "Nicomachean Ethics", outlines the characteristics of this decisive virtue that intertwines reasoning and sensitivity, logic and intuition, knowledge and action.
By what term was it branded, that eventually led to its downfall? "Prudence". For a time, one might have still recognized the significance of the action called "prudent", representing an essential aspect of responsibility and refined spirit. But what this word now evokes reeks of reservation, caution, and timidity. Instead of courage, it demands caution. Rather than momentum, it advocates restraint. The opposite of risk, it endorses security. In essence, the translation as "prudence" rendered the phronesis lifeless and inaudible. Powerful and nuanced, the old Greek concept served as a catalyst. Tamed and simplified, its modern translation has become a muzzle.
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The History and Original Meaning of Phronesis
The Greek term phronesis (φρόνησις) was a cornerstone of ethical thought in ancient philosophy. Aristotle defined it as practical wisdom, outlining in the Nicomachean Ethics the ability to reason effectively about achieving the good life through virtuous action[1][3]. Unlike theoretical wisdom (sophia), which revolves around universal truths, phronesis is context-dependent, focusing on moral decision-making in specific situations[1]. Aristotle emphasized its role in balancing virtues like courage and justice to navigate complex human experiences[1][5].
Modern Translation as "Prudence"
Although "prudence" is a common translation, it frequently oversimplifies phronesis to caution or risk-aversion. Aristotle's concept is broader, encompassing practical judgment, ethical discernment, and the capacity to apply moral principles dynamically[1][3]. Modern interpretations sometimes confuse phronesis with strategic thinking, but its original focus on moral excellence and communal well-being sets it apart[5].
Key Contrast- Ancient: Phronesis as a moral and civic virtue that linked reason and action to achieve human flourishing[1][3].- Modern: "Prudence" runs the risk of becoming an individualistic or utilitarian decision-making construct, losing the communal and ethical depth of phronesis[1][4].
This transformation reflects shifts in philosophical priorities, with contemporary usage often prioritizing the practical over Aristotle's ethical framework[3][5].
- Aristotle, in his work "Nicomachean Ethics", delineates the traits of phronesis, the ancient Greek concept that signifies intelligent action combining sharp thinking and boldness, calculated risk-taking and control, clear-headedness and courage.
- The term phronesis was translated into "prudence", which subsequently led to its downfall as the meaning became synonymous with caution, timidity, and risk-aversion, veering away from its original roots of moral excellence and communal well-being.
- The ancient Greek concept of phronesis, contrasted with its modern translation as prudence, served as a catalyst, linking reason and action to achieve human flourishing, whereas the modern interpretation frequently becomes an individualistic or utilitarian decision-making construct.
- In reviving the ancient concept of phronesis, it's crucial to acknowledge its intertwined relation with science, health-and-wellness, and mental-health, as they are all essential components that help us navigate the complexities of life and strive for personal and societal growth.
