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My Contributions to the Art of Teaching Pedagogy
“If pedagogy is thought of as an art, then the job of teachers is not to master pedagogical content knowledge... but rather to go on developing it.”
INTRODUCTION:
Lee Shulman said that “If pedagogy is thought of as an art, then the job of teachers is
not to master pedagogical content knowledge, which includes how and what is taught and
understanding who it is being taught to, but rather to go on developing it.” I fully appreciate the
significance of Shulman’s thoughts: it’s not just about the knowledge and practice, but how a
teacher can use and contribute to that knowledge and practice. There are many moving parts
within a classroom, and in many ways each person can bring their own perspectives and
personal instincts to tried-and-tested pedagogical and content-driven concepts. In like fashion,
my teaching over the course of this year has seen many improvements based on (at first basic)
experimental pedagogical practices, that became progressively complex in the wake of clear
successes and (more importantly) frustrating failures. As the year continues, areas for my future
development become increasingly clear through both the study of the literature produced by
various expert educators, and the experiences I have gained while trying to implement my own
understanding of some basic pedagogical principles. These points are to be illuminated.
I propose to examine in depth three examples of pedagogical principles I have incorporated into
my everyday practice that have helped me deal with clear, indicated problems that previously
plagued my practice. In doing so, I hope to illuminate the ways these principles have improved
student learning in my class and so demonstrate the need for my constant growth as an
educator, in line with the thoughts expressed by Schulman. There are, I like to think, more areas
in which I have improved, but I believe these will be sufficient to demonstrate a clear linear
progression and improvement.
PEDAGOGICAL IMPROVEMENT 1: TIME MANAGEMENT/PLANNING
Coe, Aloisi, Higgins and Major (Coe, Aloisi, Higgins & Major, 2014, Page 3) place time
management as one of the key underpinning features of effective teaching. The management of
my class time was the first significant issue I began to address this year. Initially, my class
planning comprised a series of complex processes that would seek to balance an endless
number of semi-related activities. My classes would invariably run significantly overtime, and I
would miss huge swathes of content that I had planned to cover. Although my activities were
not necessarily bad, their usefulness was diluted to the point where students would get nothing
from my classes. I began to recognise my fault through a series of rather stern corrections from
my supervisor, as well as through my studying of various texts that dealt with teaching
pedagogy.
Barbara Gross Davis, for example, describes ways to rationally organizing content to ensure that
all students are challenged to not only learn the given material, but constructively apply the
information in a real setting (Davis, 1993, Page 12). I found her arguments concerning lesson
planning particularly helpful for my time management. Gross Davis specifies that effort,
techniques, time, and a big picture vision are required to create a quality lesson plan that can
produce a successful class (Davis, 1993, Page 100). She further states that a learning objective
should be worded in a constructive manner using adjectives to help student understanding, and
(importantly) to be realistically achievable (Davis, 1993, Page 100, 103). A good lesson plan
should also be constructed in three parts: ‘Introduction,’ ‘Development,’ and ‘Conclusion’ (Davis,
1993, Page 105). These lesson plans must be designed in a constructive and challenging format
on behalf of the student.
I find the work of Gross Davis particularly relevant to my practice as my lesson planning – which I
have stated, and also according to the reflections of my supervisors – lacks time management
and systematic progression (TLF, PDP, Week 11). I have interpreted and applied the principles
described by Gross Davis so that the ‘Introduction’ part of my lesson plans have become
routines for the students to get them on task the instant the class is set to begin – and this also
gives me time for getting activities set up or writing information on the board (TLF, PDP, Week
15). My routines to start the class frequently incorporate an opening prayer, activities for
activating prior knowledge, starter activities for the new material given in the day’s class, and an
introduction of the learning objective for the class (these routines are variously integrated to
minimize time and activity transition) (TLF, PDP, Week 16). From there my lesson planning
thought typically moves into the ‘Development’ section, and I have found that this is the
moment in which to include activities that incorporate Tomlinson’s theories of differentiation
(to be discussed further below). At times, I include technology for review videos and discussion
in this section, but only according to time and applicability to the learning objective (TLF, Self
Evaluation, Week 16). Finally, I have interpreted the ‘Conclusion’ as a time for reviewing the
students’ learning, to see if they each individually met the day’s learning objective, and I strive
to apply Lampranou and Athanasou’s theories (discussed further below). Time is also given for
students to gather their homework assignments. My lesson plans have evolved over the course
of the school year and have grown in a very constructive manner to be sure each student learns
and is challenged according to their specific capabilities, and stemming from principles such as
Gross Davis’.
Time management is essential in the minutest transitions in the lesson plan, and I have realized
that it is effective to include props such as electronic timers, which have the additional benefit
of keeping students accountable and encouraging them to monitor their own progress
according to class expectations (Lemov, 2015, Page 45). A lack of proper time management in
planning and execution limits students in what they can learn (Lemov, 2015, Page 220).
Time management and not over planning my classes have contributed to my students learning
in a variety of ways. I have learned that students need quality time and space to produce quality
work and to have effective learning. Students have even made comments that they felt rushed
to get work done and in my opinion this had a negative effect on their learning. By improving
the structure of the class and by simplifying my expectations I have allowed students to
understand the time needed to do their work well, and this has demonstrated an
extraordinary positive effect on student learning.
PEDAGOGICAL IMPROVEMENT 2: BEHAVIOUR-MANAGEMENT
The next pedagogical principle that has contributed to my practice this school year is my
behavior-management tactics. Before this year, my behavior management really did not have
much technique or routine. I relied on reasoning with the student, relating to them through my
personality, and handing out harsh penalties. These methods did not work, and in fact they
caused a lack of respect among the students to me as their teacher and they were not effective
enough to keep students focused to learn (Lemov, 2015, Page 221). This was a problem, not
only for my relationships with students, but for the school administrators who were having to
deal with a large amount of paper sanctions and complaints from students and parents. I
received a number of corrections, suggestions, and counselings in order to change this practice,
and I believe that the outcome has been quite satisfactory.
Amazingly, after improving my time management, I realized that it was possible to implement
techniques and class routines that sought to engage students with the class, and so in some
sense to distract them from their misbehavior (Lemov, 2015, Page 395). I try not to call out a
student in front of the class, but instead provide the class with a basic activity and then discuss
a problem one on one in the moment with the offending student while other students are
working. I realized that this form of intervention occurred less and less anyway as my planning
became more streamlined. Cowley (Cowley, 2010, Page 15) discusses the theory behind this,
and speculates that providing students with high expectations, an environment of academic
rigor, and a focus on positivity all significantly decrease the chances that students will
misbehave.
Routines that I have added to my practice are having a reward point system where a student
can gain points for good behavior, participation, and strong work. This system is known to my
current students as ‘Tiger Points.’ I also provide myself with occasions throughout the class for
resetting my behavior and focus expectations in a positive way. Simply calling the class to
attention and waiting for them to respond is a way to hit the reset button at moments when I
know it is likely that the lesson plan and student's behavior will have gone slightly awry (such as
after group activities and class discussions) (Lemov, 2015, Page 393). Clearly these opportunities
would not present themselves without the initial class planning.
Tomlinson expands the concept of behavioural management through content by thoroughly
exploring the pedagogical principle of differentiation. She argues that differentiation is a core
component for effective learning on behalf of the student, and that there is a purpose and
methodology that should contribute to how you integrate differentiated activities into your
lesson planning (Tomlinson, 1999, Page 11). She summarizes the mind-frame with which
teachers should approach student learning as simply helping struggling learners by accelerating
their understanding whilst ensuring “genuine understanding and meaningful application of
skills” (Tomlinson, 1999, Page 13). It was clear to me that this tailored learning would be the key
to controlling student misbehaviour.
Each student has various needs and academic abilities, so Tomlinson demonstrates that a lesson
plan must be oriented in differentiated group assignments and various tasks that will challenge
each individual student (Tomlinson, 1999, Pages 9-10). Tomlinson is not to be misunderstood
when she talks about each student having specific needs and she emphasizes the importance of
being flexible towards these needs to provide the greatest opportunity for each student to learn
(Tomlinson, 1999, Page 31).
My understanding of how best to incorporate Tomlinson’s theories of differentiation has been a
core concern for my behavioural management routines. I use differentiation in three areas
during the ‘Development’ stage of my lessons: group assignments; challenging students
according to their own needs and capabilities; and giving tasks to students that vary according
to each student, but that still meet the day's learning objective. I like to think I have experienced
what Lee Shulman talks about: I have taken the pedagogical principle of differentiation and have
incorporated it into my lesson planning each day in a way that makes it
relevant for my own practice but grows increasingly as I learn and experiment with the
principle. Furthermore, as students are led to engage more specifically and individually with the
content, they exhibit significantly less behavioural problems.
Only in the last few weeks have I finally realized the benefits of compelling students to set their
standards higher regarding each lesson’s given learning objective, and how these higher
standards can truly lead to extraordinary student accomplishments (TLF, PDP, Week 17). My
teaching practice has evolved in designing and executing my lesson plans that cater to each
specific student according to their own needs (TLF, PDP, Week 19). Techniques to achieve this
are accomplished through differentiation of tasks, student seating arrangements, team
assignments, constructive learning objectives, and challenging the students. My practice has
evolved from lesson plans that just relied on one topic or focus, to really designing each aspect
of the class and mapping out the direction it goes catering to each student’s various needs, and
this has helped every aspect of my teaching experience.
Better planning incorporating differentiated activities has led to better behavioral management,
and has contributed to my students learning and understanding what my expectations are for
their focus inside the classroom. This has helped student learning in their not losing focus in
their work, understanding instructions clearly, and having higher personal standards in their
own self-control (TLF, Self-Evaluation, Week 18). Differentiation has furthered student learning
in the classroom by improving engagement in the class and having the space, focus, and
responsibility needed to help students work towards meeting each day’s learning objective. A
focus that will improve my practice from here is researching a way to de emphasize Tiger Points,
and emphasize personal effort so that students can focus more on their learning as opposed to
simply working for a reward. Still further experimentation is required here in order to make sure
students find classes relevant to their interests and abilities.
PEDAGOGICAL IMPROVEMENT 3: LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The final pedagogical concept that has advanced my practice and is still evolving in my
teaching is my setting daily learning objectives. I have improved my learning objectives by
incorporating aspects of Bloom's Taxonomy and various constructive adjectives to accurately
describe what I want students to achieve each class (Lemov, 2015, Page 132). By being explicit
and specific with the learning objective, it has given me more of a perspective of what I want
each student to have learned by the end of each class (Lemov, 2015, Page 132). This idea of a
daily learning objective has evolved gradually along with my increasing recognition of its
importance. At the start of the year if I stipulated a learning objective I certainly did not share it
with the students, and this made the learning process more confusing for them and less linear.
Students became increasingly disengaged with the content as they could not make a rational
attachment for each component, or see their inter-relativity. When I was informally observing
another teacher, however, I was astonished by the way he used the learning objective as a
reflective tool for students to gauge what they knew already and to look for what they learnt at
the end of the class. When a teacher uses a learning objective in this way, students are made
partners in their own education, and it opens the teaching process to them so that they may
take more responsibility in their own learning. It is something very basic, but it has had an
enormous impact on the quality of education that I am able to provide, as well as the deep
learning that students take away from each class (Lemov, 2015, Page 138). Obviously this basic
yet fundamental pedagogical tactic would not have been possible without the initial planning,
and would have been totally undermined by a lack of behavioral management.
Lampranou and Athanasou, who have outlined the principles regarding the evaluation of
students, can be used to compliment this pedagogical objective of incorporating explicit
learning objectives. Lamparanou and Athanasou argue that at the end of any program, week, or
individual lesson, a teacher must be sure that the student is learning, and they therefore discuss
the ways to assess this learning through effective evaluation (Lamprianou & Athanasou, 2009,
Pages 10-11). Validation and assurance of competence is key, according to Lampranou and
Athanasou, in allowing a student the reflective time and space to draw on prior knowledge
and to have the tools to further that knowledge (Lamprianou & Athanasou, 2009, Pages 7-9). In
the end, these authors assemble a number of impressive and insightful methods for
constructively building on student knowledge, while establishing the progress students have
made by the end (Lamprianou & Athanasou, 2009, Pages 7-9).
I have interpreted the arguments of Lampranou and Athanasou, and incorporated them into my
explicit learning objective in two ways: the first is that of a ‘plenary,’ and the second is the basic
evaluation tactic of peer-to-peer or student-to-teacher rapid-response evaluation (Lamprianou
& Athanasou, 2009, Pages 32-33). The plenary is an opportunity (two or three minutes only) for
a student to reflect and demonstrate what they learned in the lesson relative to the day’s
learning objective. This takes the form of class discussions, peer-to-peer discussions, exit tickets
with two to three concrete questions, and a ‘twitter board.’ The twitter board simply
demonstrates the most relevant student reflection, recorded each class and evaluated and
reviewed each week. This helps other students track the direction of the program in terms of
progressive learning objectives and also recognizes students that model the correct forms of
engagement, so incentivizes involvement. Overall, the plenary (whenever time allows it) has
evolved to be a core component in evaluating the learning status of each student.
The development of my student learning objectives, complimented by the theories and tactics
of Lamprianou & Athanasou, have contributed to student learning in that the students have a
tangible goal each day, and a way to see if they reached it. They can therefore have a reflective
approach as to if they used their time effectively during the class in obtaining the learning
objective. This internalizes the motivation to learn and improve. My objective now is to focus
more on student-centered learning and considering how each student will be able to reach the
objective by employing aspects of all the academics I have considered here: Gross Davis will
inform how the lessons are constructed; Tomlinson will inform the ways the classes are made
relevant to the students; and Lampranou and Athanasou will provide the framework for
establishing what is working and what needs to be improved.
CONCLUSION:
My pedagogy has improved dramatically throughout this school year, and I can track
that development in a linear, logical way starting with better planning leading to better
behavioral management, and culminating in an increased ability to implement and evaluate
learning objectives. The different strategies I have used throughout this school year have
produced better results in my students through directing them to truly learn the concepts at
hand in a constructive and evaluative format. I can see the evidence of my improvement
through the new routines of behavioral management, differentiation, learning objectives, lesson
planning, and my focus on student-centered learning in each class. Students have shown clear
growth in my classes recently, and the TLF demonstrates this. I am confident that I can continue
to grow in my pedagogical practice, contributing my experience to the vast well of tried and
tested approaches, and form myself into the teacher I want to be.
Bibliography
Coe, Aloisi, Higgins & Major, RC, CA, SH, & LEM, 2014. Review of the underpinning research.
What makes great teaching? , [Online]. 3. Available at:
http://www.suttontrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/What-Makes-Great
Teaching-REPORT.pdf [Accessed 5 May 2017].
Cowley, SC, 2010. Getting The Buggers To Behave. 4th ed. London, United Kingdom: Continuum
International Publishing Group.
Davis, BGD, 1993. Tools for Teaching. 1st ed. San Francisco, California: Jossey-Bass Inc..
Dubrow & Wilkinson, HD & HW, 1984. The Art and Craft of Teaching. 1st ed. Cambridge,
Massachusetts: President and Fellows of Harvard College.
Lamprianou & Athanasou, IL & JAA, 2009. A Teacher's Guide to Educational Assessment. 2nd ed.
Rotterdam, The Netherlands: Sense Publishers.
Lemov, DL, 2015. Teach Like A Champion 2.0. 1st ed. San Francisco, California: Jossey-Bass.
Tomlinson, CAT, 1999. The Differentiated Classroom. 1st ed. Alexandria, Virginia: Association for
Supervision and Curriculum Development.
The Virtue of Prudence in Constructing a Just Society
Drawing from Aquinas and Aristotle
Among the myriad virtues that have shaped philosophical discourse, prudence distinctly emerges
as the cardinal quality guiding rational beings towards morally righteous actions. Deeply rooted
in the teachings of Aquinas and Aristotle, prudence transcends mere caution; it embodies a
symphony of moral discernment, judicious decision-making, and timely execution. This essay
embarks on an in-depth exploration of both Aquinas’s and Aristotle’s treatises, revealing the
multifaceted character of prudence, contrasting its classical essence with contemporary utilitarian
interpretations, and highlighting its pivotal role in nurturing a society grounded in mutual respect
and justice.
Aquinas on the Foundations of Prudence:
According to Aquinas, prudence pertains to both practical and speculative reason. Practical
reason is discernible in its foundational elements that operate within reality. Reality manifests in
relation to topics pertinent to one's life, extending beyond daily scheduling and task
prioritization. As Aquinas elucidates, practical reason is the "right reason" applied to action.
Moreover, practical reason can be cultivated through seeking counsel. Aquinas notes, “a prudent
man is one who is capable of taking good counsel.” (Pt. II-II, Q. 47 Second Article). He further
posits that counsel is tied to an end, akin to scheduling and prioritizing activities. Aquinas's
portrayal of speculative reason is akin to an art form. Daily life defies rigid formulas; through
syllogisms and propositions, while adhering to foundational tenets of validity and truth,
speculative reason allows practical reason to adapt to context without straying from the righteous
path.
Prudence, as a unique virtue, validates this definition through its practical and speculative
applications. Aquinas observes that "virtue is that which makes its possessor good, and his work
good likewise.” (Pt. II-II, Q. 47 Fourth Article). He proceeds to assert that "good" is integral to
the appetitive power. This "good" is functional; thus, the alignment of appetite should navigate
through this prism of prudential reason. For love towards an object to be valid, it must first
adhere to fundamental, including moral, principles. Prudence is distinct because it is the right
reason applied to a harmonized appetite.
Prudence's function in steering moral virtues is instrumental, not terminal. It defines the rationale
behind actions and behaviors. Aquinas states, “the proper end of each moral virtue consists
precisely in conformity with right reason.”(Pt. II-II, Q. 47 Seventh Article). While natural reason
lays down a foundational course, prudence provides virtues like temperance and fortitude with a
framework for expression. Thus, prudence determines the means within this structure to guide
one towards the desired end by actualizing a specific moral virtue.
Integral to prudence are elements such as memory, understanding, and docility. Memory serves
as a repository of personal experiences, informing one's perception of reality. These experiences,
in turn, enable genuine docility to natural reason and foundational principles, such as objective
righteousness. Aquinas contends that “intellectual virtue is engendered and fostered by
experience and time.” (Pt. II-II, Q. 49 First Article). Marrying good counsel with memories of
the past can foster true prudential docility.
In opposition to prudence stands shrewdness. Aquinas describes shrewdness as “a habit whereby
congruities are discovered rapidly.” (Pt. II-II, Q. 49 Fourth Article). For instance, one who
manipulatively employs syllogisms for self-validation or some detrimental end is essentially
gaming the system, thereby misaligning prudence. Shrewdness manifests when one continually
seeks to expose others' perceived hypocrisy. This demeanor represents a variant of false
prudence.
Aquinas's Extension of Prudence:
Turning to societal considerations, prudence manifests in regnative and subjective forms.
Regnative prudence pertains to the wisdom and judgment required by those in leadership roles,
distinct from personal prudence in that it centers on the broader community's welfare. In
contrast, subjective prudence hinges on an individual's ability to make sound decisions based on
their experiences and prevailing circumstances. Aquinas asserts, “prudence is the virtue which is
proper to a prince. Therefore, a special kind of prudence is regnative.” (Pt. II-II, Q. 50 First
Article). While the essence of prudence remains unchanged, its application varies, particularly
concerning leadership and societal governance. In democracies, this regnative form of prudence
parallels executive functions. However, a cautionary note arises when leadership's prudent
decisions become self-serving, termed as false prudence. Such decisions, tainted by self-interest
and potentially influenced by original sin, can be seen within both personal and regnative
contexts.
Domestic prudence isn't inherently negative; its value is determined by its application. If
prudence becomes narrowly focused on materialistic ends, it risks being self-defeating. Aquinas
points out that “prudence is directed to a good life in general, whereas domestic prudence is
aimed at specific objectives, like wealth.” (Pt. II-II, Q. 50 Third Article). Although an individual
within a household can exhibit prudence, misplaced priorities disrupt the intended order,
rendering prudence ineffective.
The Imprudence Quandary:
The nexus between imprudence and sin is intriguing. Often, individuals may lack the
amalgamation of experiences and knowledge to exercise pure prudence. Moreover, certain
experiences or information sources might be misguided. The degree of one's experience and
knowledge can dictate the likelihood of sin's intrusion. Aquinas observes, “imprudence is a sin in
relation to its inherent nature, for it's impossible to act against prudence without breaching its
foundational principles.” (Pt. II-II, Q. 53 First Article). He continues, suggesting that unless
there's a defiance of Divine law or impulsive actions without contempt, such deviations may not
constitute grave sins. Thus, one's journey to genuine prudence can be long and fraught with
potential pitfalls, especially if there's a risk of transgressions.
Both passivity and negligence are counterproductive. While passivity signifies a deliberate lack
of initiative, negligence reflects a breach of the care or attention that a reasonably cautious
individual would exercise under similar conditions. These behaviors can distort prudence,
leading to an inversion of means and ends. Aquinas notes, “a negligent individual struggles with
decision-making, a realm where prudence typically operates. Hence, negligence is intertwined
with imprudence.” (Pt. II-II, Q. 54 Second Article). Such behaviors can pave the way for
transgressions. Given prudence's inherently proactive nature, its incompatibility with passivity
and negligence becomes evident.
The synergy between prudence and justice, as Aquinas postulates, is crucial, particularly
concerning relations beyond oneself. Self-centeredness corrupts genuine prudence, turning it into
a disordered virtue or even a vice. Justice, as defined by Aquinas, concerns interactions with
others, ensuring they receive proper guidance to correct any missteps. It doesn't revolve around
self-interest. Aquinas explains, “justice, unlike other virtues, guides individuals in their
interactions, fostering a sense of equality.” (Pt. II-II, Q. 57 One Article). In today's context,
justice is often misconstrued as self-serving, whereas genuine prudence aligns with Aquinas's
vision of ordered justice. Misguided prudence, on the other hand, can be self-defeating, leading
to what can be termed as false prudence.
Aristotle’s Take on Prudence (from Nicomachean Ethics):
Aristotle often delves into prudence, weaving it through discussions of ethical and intellectual
virtues. He posits, “for deliberating and calculating are synonymous, and one never deliberates
about immutable matters. Therefore, the calculative is a segment of the rational domain.”
(Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book VI, Ch. 1) Whether concerning ethical virtues or
intellectual facets like wisdom, a component of calculation always underpins prudence, echoing
Aquinas's perspective. Aristotle expands on this, suggesting that each science can be imparted to
learners through its analytical methods, emphasizing the need to assess situations factually to
achieve pure prudence.
Deliberation, choice, and willpower are central to prudential actions. Deliberation involves
amassing necessary data to guide a prudent decision. In the absence of deliberation, ignorance
prevails. Aristotle explains, “actions emanating from ignorance are universally non-voluntary,
yet they become involuntary only when resulting in regret for the doer.” (Aristotle, Nicomachean
Ethics, Book III, Ch. 1) Such ignorance can lead to misguided outcomes, where the actor must
bear the consequences of their imprudence, especially if it negatively impacts others. Aristotle
further elaborates, “while opinions can be categorized as false or true, choices gravitate more
towards the binaries of bad and good.” (Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, Book III, Ch. 2) This
implies that while one's opinion has boundaries, akin to Aquinas's views, ignorance often
culminates in detrimental outcomes.
The role of practical wisdom in prudent actions, according to Aristotle (Book VI), is to ground
prudence in reality, connecting theoretical understanding with actionable knowledge. By aligning
our thought processes with the tangible world and its nuances, practical wisdom ensures that
prudence remains responsive and adaptive, not just an abstract ideal.
Prudence in a Contemporary Context:
Modern interpretations of prudence and justice appear somewhat skewed when juxtaposed with
their classical definitions. These age-old explanations elucidate the inner workings of prudence
and justice, outlining a blueprint for societal harmony and genuine happiness. Present-day
interpretations, driven by self-centric ideals, bear a strong resemblance to utilitarianism. Such an
approach, where individual benefit overshadows collective well-being, aligns with what Aquinas
might label as ignorance.
In contemporary society, prudence often assumes a materialistic and subservient role, tailored to
personal whims. This inversion of means and ends fosters a culture of unchecked individualism.
While some champion this as the epitome of freedom and happiness, it's a flawed perspective,
resonating with the shrewdness that Aquinas warned against. To foster genuine contentment, our
understanding of prudence requires realignment. Acknowledging and reverting to its
foundational principles is the first step towards enacting prudence meaningfully in our lives.
Synthesizing Aquinas and Aristotle for Modern Society:
Building resilient communities hinges on fostering prudential actions at both individual and
collective levels. Both Aquinas and Aristotle underscore the importance of prudence in shaping
an individual's choices, which, when magnified, mold the larger societal framework. By
integrating the insights of these great thinkers, we can prioritize collective well-being over
transient individual gains.
Furthermore, each individual plays a pivotal role in cultivating a society rooted in prudence.
Through self-awareness, education, and practice, individuals can harness prudence's
transformative power, ensuring that personal choices consistently serve the greater good. When
individuals embody prudence, society at large stands to benefit, resulting in a harmonious
coexistence that honors both personal autonomy and collective welfare.
Bibliography:
Aristotle. Nicomachean Ethics. Translated by Robert C. Bartlett and Susan D. Collins, University
of Chicago Press, 2011.
Aquinas, Thomas. Summa Theologica: Part II-II, Volume 3. Translated by the Fathers of the
English Dominican Province, Benziger Brothers, originally published in 1911, 1948.