America’s Controlling Emphasis on Moral Conduct
Modern day American character education emphasizes moral conduct. It implies that becoming ‘good’ means grand gestures, undergoing a fundamental character change, or surrendering yourself to a greater cause.
Goodness isn’t becoming an infallible person with perfect behavior. The ancient Greeks saw it differently. To them, morality meant putting effort into things that are good for humanity. Activities–even inanimate objects–can be classified as “moral,” provided they contribute to the well-being and functionality of humankind.
That means we express goodness, or morality, in the relationships we nurture, the activities we practice, the art we create, the impact we have in our jobs, or any other area where we apply effort without causing harm. We become “good” through actions carried out with care for other people. Not by restricting what we eat, who we love, or what we wear. Humans don’t need more pressure, rules, and restrictions. We need practical wisdom: using our actions, creativity, and skills to contribute to our communities.
Phronesis: The Wisdom of Action
Aristotle’s term for practical wisdom is phronesis, a form of knowing beyond scientific or theoretical knowledge and technical know-how.
“Phronesis is the true state, reasoned, and capable of action with regard to things that are good or bad for man.” – Aristotle
Phronesis is the wisdom of action. It can’t be developed through study. Phronesis is practiced through experience, reflection, and discovery. Phronesis takes shape as we experience life and adapt our efforts based on an evolving understanding of what is best for each situation.
People who embodied this cycle of introspection and adaptation were referred to as phronimos. When we practice self-awareness and follow it with action and human connection, we become phronimos.
Phronesis and Virtue
Artistolte looked at virtue as the middle ground between two extremes: excess and deficit. Harm is caused when we swing too far in either direction. As an example, think about courage. Courage represents the middle ground between cowardice (a courage deficit, not acting courageously in situations that would benefit from it) and rashness (an excess of courage, acting impulsively without considering the consequences).
By recognizing when we are falling into one extreme or the other, we cultivate more balanced, practical decision-making.
One cannot see from a deficit of light.
One feels intense pain if exposed to an excess of light.
Both are blinding.
“Courage is knowing it might hurt and doing it anyway. Stupidity is the same. That’s why life is hard.” -Jeremy Goldberg
Phronesis and Decision-Making
Teddy Rosevelt said, “knowing what’s right doesn’t mean much unless you do what’s right.” It’s true: applying and contributing knowledge is what counts. But how often in life is there a single, obvious “right” action to take? Most situations are nuanced and allow for multiple possible actions that can align with one’s values.
Imagine you’re a parent facing a decision about your child’s education. First, consider what you value most. If you value self-efficacy, you might encourage your child to pursue their own path, even if it deviates from societal norms or expectations, to cultivate independence and self-discovery. Alternatively, if you value stability, you might instead push them toward a more traditional and secure path, prioritizing long-term financial security. Both values and directions are valid. What’s your child’s comfort level with risk? Or do they thrive in structured environments? This is practical wisdom in action. It’s when values, situational needs, and multiple perspectives factor into a decision.
So, the challenge isn’t in somehow automatically knowing or making the executive decision on behalf of all of humanity about what’s right. Our true challenge is understanding situational complexities, balancing various perspectives, and weighing the potential consequences of our actions. Now, weighing consequences is not a permission slip to overthink every possible scenario or attempt to predict the future. True character growth is a pursuit of our theories about what’s best, then adapting as new information, perspectives, and circumstances emerge. All great insights and discoveries result from a process of reflection, action, and refinement.
Reflection Matters as Much as the Decision Itself
Reflection after a decision is just as important as the decision itself. To continue on the example above, continuous feedback from your child’s educational experiences, coupled with your own reflection on their evolving needs, will guide you in adjusting your approach if needed. Are they developing self-reliance, or are they struggling with the lack of structure? Do they feel motivated by the promise of stability, or is there an emerging desire to explore other paths?
Phronesis and Social + Emotional Intelligence
It takes a blend of competencies (self-awareness, self management, social awareness, and social management) to assess a situation, weigh different options, and make a responsible decision. It starts with self awareness. Is the anxiety a sign to halt action or is it simply discomfort for doing something important, new, or high stakes?
Move that self awareness into action through social awareness. To do this, reflect on how you decide to speak or act, especially in emotionally charged situations. Do you tend to react quickly, or do you allow space for your emotions to settle? Practice pausing before reacting and ask: Is this the right time to speak, or would listening and reflecting first allow me to act more thoughtfully?
“Anyone can become angry—that is easy. But to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way—that is not easy.” -Aristotle
Truth-telling with respect for other people is tact, an essential virtue. That doesn’t mean lying or dodging the truth. Instead, practical wisdom expresses truth in a way that promotes understanding rather than conflict.
In situations where honesty could cause harm, consider how you can express truth while remaining mindful of the other person. Reflect on the balance: Is this being delivered with kindness? How can I communicate my perspective clearly while remaining open to theirs?
Phronesis: The Wisdom of Action
Practical wisdom (phronesis) is not about memorizing moral codes or flawlessly proper behavior. It’s about practicing judgment, adapting to circumstances, and doing good for humanity.
The Effort Gap is where this practice lives: clearing your mind so you can think clearly, leading yourself with intention instead of autopilot, and connecting with others in ways that uplifts them while expanding who you are.
