Book 6 / Chapter 8
Paragraph 2 - The Various Forms of Practical Wisdom
Explanation - Part By Part
"Practical wisdom also is identified especially with that form of it which is concerned with a man himself-with the individual; and this is known by the general name 'practical wisdom';"
Aristotle is emphasizing here that practical wisdom (phronesis) is often most closely associated with the kind that focuses on the individual—the ability to navigate one's own life and make wise decisions for oneself. This particular type of wisdom, where a person thoughtfully manages their own conduct and personal well-being, is what Aristotle refers to as "practical wisdom" in the general sense. It centers on understanding what is good and beneficial for oneself and applying that knowledge in everyday actions and choices.
"of the other kinds one is called household management, another legislation, the third politics, and of the latter one part is called deliberative and the other judicial."
Aristotle is breaking down practical wisdom (phronesis) into different categories based on the contexts in which it is applied. He identifies three main areas of practical wisdom:
1. Household Management (Oikonomia): This refers to the wisdom or practical knowledge needed to manage the affairs of a household or family. It involves making decisions that ensure the survival, well-being, and harmony of the household.
2. Legislation: This form of wisdom is about creating laws and guidelines for the benefit of the community or society. It focuses on establishing good systems and frameworks for collective living.
3. Politics (Politikê): This refers to the broader governance of the city or state. Aristotle further divides political wisdom into two specific roles:
- Deliberative: Concerned with discussion and decision-making about what actions should be taken for the common good. Essentially, it’s the ability to weigh options and make plans.
- Judicial: This involves the application of justice and the ability to assess and resolve disputes according to what is fair and right.
Each of these forms of practical wisdom serves a different purpose, but all of them contribute to the improvement and proper functioning of individuals, households, and societies.
"Now knowing what is good for oneself will be one kind of knowledge, but it is very different from the other kinds;"
Aristotle is emphasizing here that understanding what is "good" for oneself—essentially knowing how to make wise decisions for your own life—is a specific type of knowledge, distinct from other forms of wisdom like managing a household, creating laws, or engaging in political matters. This self-focused understanding is different because it revolves around the individual and their personal well-being and decisions, rather than larger societal or external concerns.
"and the man who knows and concerns himself with his own interests is thought to have practical wisdom, while politicians are thought to be busybodies;"
Aristotle is making a distinction here about perceptions of wisdom in different contexts. He notes that someone who is focused on understanding and managing their own life effectively—making good choices and taking care of their own well-being—is often seen as practically wise. In this sense, their wisdom is directed at their personal affairs, which people tend to respect or value as admirable.
On the other hand, politicians—who deal with broader, external matters like governing or influencing public affairs—are often seen as meddling in things that don’t directly concern them. To some, this can come across as being nosy or overly involved in matters beyond their personal sphere. Thus, politicians might be labeled "busybodies." This contrast highlights how wisdom applied to one’s self is often regarded differently from wisdom applied to the wider community.
"hence the word of Euripides,"
In this section, Aristotle is exploring the different forms of "practical wisdom" (phronēsis). He explains that practical wisdom involves knowing how to act in ways that achieve good outcomes, but it exists in multiple forms depending on the context.
Here, he makes distinctions between various applications of practical wisdom:
1. Personal practical wisdom – This is wisdom about one's own life and decisions, focused on understanding what is good or beneficial for oneself. A person with this skill is often considered wise and attentive to their personal well-being.
2. Household management – Practical wisdom applied to running a household and ensuring the well-being of one's family.
3. Legislation – Practical wisdom applied to crafting laws that govern the broader community.
4. Politics – Wisdom applied to leading and making decisions for a city or society. Within this, Aristotle identifies two subcategories:
- Deliberative wisdom – Concerned with decision-making and policies about what actions should be taken.
- Judicial wisdom – Concerned with resolving disputes and interpreting justice in specific situations.
Aristotle then points out an important distinction between the personal and political types of practical wisdom. A person who is skilled at managing their own interests is often admired as wise and self-sufficient. In contrast, politicians, who focus on the collective good, can often be dismissed or seen with suspicion, as though they are meddling in matters that don’t concern them. This is where Aristotle brings in the quote from the playwright Euripides to support this cultural attitude, though the full quote itself appears in the subsequent text. Likely, Euripides made a comment critiquing politicians or public figures as being "busybodies" who interfere in the lives of others.