Aristotle and Hursthouse

From what I can understand of it, phronesis as we are calling it, is a type of wisdom. We have referred to it as practical wisdom, but I am not sure I know exactly what it means. From what I have gathered, it is like knowing what is good for yourself or group in all situations. This is different from other wisdom in that it can change with different situations. It is not always the same truth, but a truth that fits each situation. I think there are occasions in sports where practical wisdom is necessary. A good quarterback, for example, may take it upon himself to pass in a running situation if the defense is vulnerable. The quarterback may have seen some sign indicating that this would be the best choice for the situation.

Hursthouse makes use of Aristotle's views on virtue. He discusses how it can be related to abortion. The main thing I got out of his argument is that like many subjects, we cannot relegate answers to right and wrong. Instead, we must use practical wisdom to determine the best answers for each situation individually. He talks about how sometimes a woman may have been light-minded by getting an abortion. Other women, however, he says may be acting moderately by getting an abortion. I think his argument makes a lot of sense, as he is reluctant to say that all situations can fit into one mold.

I like the passage of (VI.5) I think that this passage does a good job of explaining what he means by the use of some of his terms. He tries to describe the meaning of what it is to be wise. I think even Aristotle has a hard time describing the definition of wisdom but does a good job providing examples of each type of intelligence.

The whole book was somewhat confusing, but I was unable to find a specific passage in this part that confused me more than the rest.

I think the first paragraph of the conclusion does a good job outlining the points that Hursthouse was trying to make. He was able to sum up his entire paper in a few paragraphs. I think that Hursthouse does a good job of laying out his views for the reader and comparing them to Aristotle's beliefs. I think that the paper does a good job of relating Aristotle to the present.