가톨릭 신앙생활 Q&A 코너

IIa IIae q47, 현명[prudence, 지덕(智德)]이라는 덕 < 현명/지덕 [신학대전여행]

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신학대전여행 [218.55.90.*]

2013-07-19 ㅣ No.1419


번역자 주: 다음은, 성 토마스 아퀴나스의 신학 대전의 약 600여 개에 달하는 각 문항(Questions)들에 대한 "압축된 바꾸어 말하기"인 Paul J. Glenn 몬시뇰(1893-1957)의 저서: "A Tour of the Summa(신학대전여행)"의 IIa IIae q47, 현명(prudence)이라는 덕 전문이며, 그리고 하반부의 글은, 상반부의 글에 대응하는 성 토마스 아퀴나스의 신학 대전, IIa IIae q47, 현명(prudence)이라는 덕 전문이다.

초벌 번역 일자: 2013년 7월 17일
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당부의 말씀:

많이 부족한 죄인인 필자의 글들은 어떤 특정인의 감정을 자극하기 위하여 마련된 글들이 결코 아니기에, 다음의 당부의 말씀을 드립니다:

(1) 지금까지 필자의 글들을 읽고서 필자에 대한 "분노(anger)" 혹은 "질투(envy)"를 가지게 된 분들은, 혹시라도 그분들께 "걸림돌(stumbling block)"일 수도 있는, 많이 부족한 죄인의 글들을 더 이상 읽지 마시기 바랍니다. 꼭 부탁드립니다.

(2) 그리고 위의 제(1)항의 당부의 말씀을 읽고도 굳이 이 화면의 아래로 스스로 이동하여, 많이 부족한 죄인의 아래의 본글을 읽는 분들은, 필자에 대한 "분노(anger)"와 "질투(envy)" 둘 다를 가지지 않을 것임에 동의함을 필자와 다른 분들께 이미 밝힌 것으로 이해하겠습니다.

(3) 그리 길지 않은 인생 여정에 있어, 누구에게나, 결국에, "유유상종[類類相從, 같은 무리끼리 서로 사귐 (출처: 표준국어대사전)]"이 유의미할 것이라는 생각에 드리는 당부의 말씀입니다.



47. The Virtue of Prudence

47. 현명[지덕(智德)]이라는 덕


1. Prudence is the knowledge of how to act, how to conduct one's life rightly. St. Augustine says that prudence is "the knowledge of what to seek and what to avoid." Prudence belongs to the knowing faculty of the soul, rather than to the appetitive faculty; that is, it belongs to the intellect rather than to the will. Since intellect (as the thinking mind that enlightens the will for its choice) is called reason, prudence, properly speaking, is in reason as in its proper subject.

1. 현명[prudence, 지덕(智德)]은 어떻게 행동하는가, 어떻게 자신의 삶을 올바르게 처신하는가에 대한 지식을 말합니다. 성 아우구스티노(St. Augustine)는 현명이 "무엇을 추구하고 그리고 무엇을 피할 것인지에 대한 지식" 이라고 말합니다. 현명은, 욕구를 수행하는 능력(the appetitive faculty)에 보다는 오히려 영혼의 아는 능력(knowing faculty)에 속합니다, 즉, 그것은 의지(the will)에 보다는 오히려 지성(the intellect)에 속합니다. 지성이 (의지의 선택을 위하여 의지를 계몽하는 생각하는 마음으로서) 이성(reason)이라고 불리기 때문에, 현명(prudence)은, 정확하게 말하여, 그 고유한 주체 안에 있는 것처럼, 이성 안에 있습니다.

 

2. Prudence is no mere knowledge of what things are (of what is so), but of how to act (of what to do). Hence, prudence belongs to the practical intellect or reason, not to the speculative intellect.

2. 현명[prudence, 지덕(智德)]은 어떠한 사물들인지에 대한 (무엇이 그러한지에 대한) 단순한 지식이 결코 아니고, [우리가] 어떻게 행동할 것인에 대한 (무엇을 할 것인지에 대한) 지식입니다. 따라서 현명(지덕)은 실천 지성 혹은 이성(practical intellect or reason)에 속하는 것이지, 사변 지성(speculative intellect)에 속하는 것이 아닙니다.

3. Prudence is not just a general grasp or understanding of right procedure. It serves a man in the concrete and individual situations that make up his daily life.

3. 현명(지덕)은 단지 올바른 순서에 대한 어떤 일반적인 붙잡음 혹은 이해(understanding, 통달, 오성)가 아닙니다. 현명(지덕)은 한 사람을 그의 일상의 삶을 구성하는 구체적이고 그리고 개별적인 상황들에 있어 돕습니다(serves).

 

4. Prudence is one of the cardinal virtues. While, as we have seen, it is, strictly speaking, in the intellect, it is a guide to right action on the part of the will, and hence it shares the nature of a moral virtue, that is, a will-virtue.

4. 현명[prudence, 지덕(智德)]은 [네 개로 이루어진] 추덕(cardinal virtues)들 중의 하나입니다. 이 덕은, 우리가 이미 보았듯이, 이 덕이, 엄밀하게 말하여, 지성 안에 있기는 하지만, 의지의 쪽의 올바른 행위에 대한 어떤 길잡이며, 그리하여 그 결과 이 덕은 윤리덕(a moral virtue)의 본성을 공유합니다, 즉, 한 개의 의지-덕(a will-virtue) 입니다.

 

5. Although prudence suffuses the other moral virtues, it is a distinct and special virtue on its own account.

5. 비록 현명[prudence, 지덕(智德)]이 다른 윤리덕들을 뒤덮기는(suffuses) 하나, 이 덕은 독립하여 한 개의 구분되는 및 특별한 덕입니다.

 

6. Prudence does not set up the end and purpose of the moral virtues, but regulates the means by which these virtues operate to their determinate ends. It does not indicate what the moral virtues are to do, but shows them the right way to do it.

6. 현명[prudence, 지덕(智德)]은 윤리덕들의 끝(end)과 목적(purpose)을 설정하는 것이 아니고, 바로 그것에 의하여 이들 덕들이 그들의 확정된 끝(determinate ends)들 쪽을 향하여 작동하는, 수단(the means)들을 규제합니다(regulates). 이 덕은 윤리덕들이 행하여야 하는 바를 가리키는 것이 아니라, 그들에게 이 바를 행하는 올바른 방식을 보여줍니다.

 

7. Prudence discerns the mean or measure of moral virtues, and sees how their action can be reasonable, and not marred either by excess or deficiency. For prudence is the knowledge of how things ought to be done.

7. 현명[prudence, 지덕(智德)]은 윤리덕들의 수단(mean) 혹은 척도(measure)를 식별하고, 그리고 그들의 행위가 어떻게 합리적일 수 있는지, 그리고 지나침 혹은 부족함 둘 중의 어느 것에 의하여 훼손되지 않는지를 봅니다. 이는 현명(지덕)이 사물들이 마땅히 어떻게 행해져야 하는 데에 대한 지식이기 때문입니다.

 

8. And prudence, as Aristotle says (Ethic. vi), gives orders. Prudence commands. It does not, indeed, take over the work of the will. It shows with certitude and authority how the will ought to choose. And, to a reasonable will, this amounts to a command. This function of commanding is really the chief act of prudence.

8. 그리고 현명[prudence, 지덕(智德)]은, 아리스토델레스(Aristotle)가 말하듯이 (Ethic. vi), 순서/질서(orders)들을 제공합니다. 현명(지덕)은 명령합니다(commands). 이 덕은 의지의 일(work)을, 정말로, 떠맡지 않습니다. 이 덕은 확신 및 권위와 함께 의지가 어떻게 선택하여야 하는지 보여줍니다. 그리하여, 합리적인 의지(a reasonable will)에게, 이러한 보여줌은 결과적으로 한 개의 명령이 됩니다. 명령함(commanding)이라는 바로 이러한 역할은 실제로 현명(지덕)의 주된 행위(chief act)입니다.

9.
 Prudence gives her commands in no aloof, detached fashion. Prudence is ever careful, watchful, solicitous that a person's conduct be right.

9. 현명[prudence, 지덕(智德)]은 멀리서, 떨어져 있는 방식이 결코 아닌 상태로 자신의 명령들을 제공합니다. 현명(지덕)은 한 인격의 처신(conduct)이 올바르도록 하기 위하여 언제나 조심하고(careful), 경계하고(watchful), 염려합니다(solicitous).

 

10. Prudence is not only a private virtue, looking solely to the individual good conduct of a person; it also serves the common good. St. Paul (I Cor. 10:33) indicates the social function of prudence when he says: "Not seeking that which is profitable to myself, but to many, that they may be saved."

10. 현명[prudence, 지덕(智德)]은, 단지 한 인격의 개별적 선한 처신을 돌보는, 한 개의 사적인 덕일뿐만이 아니라, 이 덕은 또한 공동선(the common good)에 도움이 됩니다. 성 바오로(St. Paul)는 그가 "나는 많은 사람이 구함을 받을 수 있도록, 내가 아니라 그들에게 유익한 것을 찾습니다" (1코린토 10,33) 라고 말할 때에 현명(지덕)의 사회적 기능(sotical function)을 가리킵니다.    

 

11. Indeed, prudence is of different species according as it serves a person in his personal conduct, or serves the good of the home (domestic prudence), or the good of the common wealth (political prudence).

11. 정말로, 현명[prudence, 지덕(智德)]은, 당사자의 개별 처신에 있어 한 인격에 도움이 되거나, 혹은 가정의 선에 도움이 되거나, 혹은 국가(the common wealth)의 선에 도움이 됨(정치적 현명)에 따라, 서로 다른 종(種, species)들에 속합니다. 

 

12. Political prudence is itself of two kinds, for it must be in the rulers and legislators on one hand, and in the citizens on the other hand. Aristotle (Ethic. vi) says that prudence is like a mastercraft in rulers, and like a handicraft in those who are ruled.

12. 정치적 현명(정치적 지덕)(political prudence)은 스스로 두 가지 종류들에 속하는데, 이는 이것이 한 편으로 통치자들과 입법자들에게 있어야 하며, 그리고 다른 한편으로 시민들에게 있어야 하기 때문입니다. 아리스토텔레스(Aristotle)는 (Ethic. vi) 현명(지덕)이 통치자들에 있어서는 마치 어떤 주인의 숙련(a mastercraft)이며, 그리고 통치를 받는 자들에게 있어서는 마치 어떤 손 끝의 숙련(a handicraft)이라고 말합니다.

 

13. True prudence, as a virtue, is only in the good. Serious sin casts out prudence. A sinful person in his evil life may exercise a kind of craftiness that has the outer look of prudence, but it is not the genuine article.

13. 한 개의 덕으로서 참인 현명(지덕)(true prudence)은 선한 자들에게 오로지 있을 뿐입니다. 심각한 죄(serious sin)는 현명(지덕)을 내쫓습니다. 자신의 악한 삶(evil life) 안에 있는 한 명의 죄 있는 인격(a sinful person)은 현명의 겉모습을 가진 교활함(craftiness)의 한 종류를 행사할 수도 있으나, 그러나 그것은 진짜 품목(the genuine article)이 아닙니다.

 

14. A person in the state of grace has prudence, for he has charity, and charity cannot exist without prudence. Prudence suffuses all virtues; it is a kind of bond that links them together, and it is necessary to them all.

14. 은총의 지위에 있는 한 인격(a person)은 현명[prudence, 지덕(智德)]을 가지고 있는데, 이는 그가 애덕(charity)을 가지고 있고, 그리고 애덕은 현명(지덕) 없이 존재할 수 없기 때문입니다. 현명(지덕)은 모든 덕들을 뒤덮으며(suffuses), 그리하여 이 덕은 그들을 함께 연결시키는 묶는 것(bond)의 한 종류이며, 그리고 이 덕은 그들 모두에게 필요합니다.

 

15. Prudence is a natural virtue, too. We have been speaking chiefly of supernatural prudence, but we must notice that there is a natural prudence also. This natural prudence is called natural, not because it belongs necessarily to human nature, but because it can be acquired by the powers of human nature. It is acquired by being taught, or by learning through experience, or in both ways.

15. 현명[prudence, 지덕(智德)]은, 또한, 어떤 자연적 덕(a natural virtue)입니다. 우리는 주로 초자연적 현명(지덕)(supernatural prudence)에 대하여 말해왔습니다만, 그러나 또한 어떤 자연적 현명이 있음을 주목하여야 합니다. 이 자연적 현명(지덕)은, 이 덕이 필연적으로 인간의 본성에 속하기 때문이 아니라, 이 덕이 인간의 본성의 힘들에 의하여 획득될 수 있기 때문입니다. 이 덕은 가르침을 받음에 의하여, 혹은 경험을 통하여 배움에 의하여, 혹은 둘 다의 방식들에 의하여, 획득됩니다.

 

16. Prudence is not forgotten. Forgetfulness may, indeed, hinder prudent action, but the virtue itself is not lost through forgetting.

16. 현명[prudence, 지덕(智德)]은 잊게 되지 않습니다. 건망증(forgetfulness)이 현명한 행위를, 정말로, 방해할 수도 있으나, 그러나 이 덕 자체는 잊음을 통하여 상실되지 않습니다.

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우리말 번역문 출처: http://club.catholic.or.kr/tourofsumma
영어본 원문 출처: http://www.catholictheology.info/summa-theologica/summa-part2B.php?q=367

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출처 1: http://www.newadvent.org/summa/3047.htm
출처 2: http://www.intratext.com/IXT/ENG0023/_P8W.HTM

신학 대전 Ia

Question 47. Prudence, considered in itself

질문 47. 현명, 그 자체에 대하여 고찰됨

After treating of the theological virtues, we must in due sequence
consider the cardinal virtues. In the first place we shall consider
prudence in itself; secondly, its parts; thirdly, the corresponding gift;
fourthly, the contrary vices; fifthly, the precepts concerning prudence.

신학적 덕(대신덕)들에 대한 다룸 이후에, 우리는 정당한 순서로 추덕(cardinal virtues)들에 대하여 고찰하여야 합니다. 첫 번째로 우리는 현명 그 자체에 대하여 고찰할 것이고, 그리고 두 번째로, 그 부분들, 그리고 세 번째로, 대응하는 선물들, 그리고 네 번째로, 상반되는 악덕(vices)들, 그리고 다섯 번째로, 현명에 관련하는 규범들에 대하여 고찰할 것입니다.

Under the first head there are sixteen points of inquiry:

첫 번째 표제 아래에서 질문에 있어서의 열여섯 개의 요지들이 다음과 같이 있습니다:

1.Is prudence in the will or in the reason?
2.If in the reason, is it only in the practical, or also in the speculative reason?
3.Does it take cognizance of singulars?
4.Is it virtue?
5.Is it a special virtue?
6.Does it appoint the end to the moral virtues?
7.Does it fix the mean in the moral virtues?
8.Is its proper act command?
9.Does solicitude or watchfulness belong to prudence?
10.Does prudence extend to the governing of many?
11.Is the prudence which regards private good the same in species as that which regards the common good?
12.Is prudence in subjects, or only in their rulers?
13.Is prudence in the wicked?
14.Is prudence in all good men?
15.Is prudence in us naturally?
16.Is prudence lost by forgetfulness?

 

Article 1. Whether prudence is in the cognitive or in the appetitive faculty?

 

Objection 1. It would seem that prudence is not in the cognitive but in the appetitive faculty. For Augustine says (De Morib. Eccl. xv): "Prudence is love choosing wisely between the things that help and those that hinder." Now love is not in the cognitive, but in the appetitive faculty. Therefore prudence is in the appetitive faculty.

 

Objection 2. Further, as appears from the foregoing definition it belongs to prudence "to choose wisely." But choice is an act of the appetitive faculty, as stated above (I-II, 13, 1). Therefore prudence is not in the cognitive but in the appetitive faculty.

 

Objection 3. Further, the Philosopher says (Ethic. vi, 5) that "in art it is better to err voluntarily than involuntarily, whereas in the case of prudence, as of the virtues, it is worse." Now the moral virtues, of which he is treating there, are in the appetitive faculty, whereas art is in the reason. Therefore prudence is in the appetitive rather than in the rational faculty.

 

On the contrary, Augustine says (QQ. lxxxiii, qu. 61): "Prudence is the knowledge of what to seek and what to avoid."

 

I answer that, As Isidore says (Etym. x): "A prudent man is one who sees as it were from afar, for his sight is keen, and he foresees the event of uncertainties." Now sight belongs not to the appetitive but to the cognitive faculty. Wherefore it is manifest that prudence belongs directly to the cognitive, and not to the sensitive faculty, because by the latter we know nothing but what is within reach and offers itself to the senses: while to obtain knowledge of the future from knowledge of the present or past, which pertains to prudence, belongs properly to the reason, because this is done by a process of comparison. It follows therefore that prudence, properly speaking, is in the reason.

 

Reply to Objection 1. As stated above (I, 82, 4) the will moves all the faculties to their acts. Now the first act of the appetitive faculty is love, as stated above (I-II, 25, 1 and 2). Accordingly prudence is said to be love, not indeed essentially, but in so far as love moves to the act of prudence. Wherefore Augustine goes on to say that "prudence is love discerning aright that which helps from that which hinders us in tending to God." Now love is said to discern because it moves the reason to discern.

 

Reply to Objection 2. The prudent man considers things afar off, in so far as they tend to be a help or a hindrance to that which has to be done at the present time. Hence it is clear that those things which prudence considers stand in relation to this other, as in relation to the end. Now of those things that are directed to the end there is counsel in the reason, and choice in the appetite, of which two, counsel belongs more properly to prudence, since the Philosopher states (Ethic. vi, 5,7,9) that a prudent man "takes good counsel." But as choice presupposes counsel, since it is "the desire for what has been already counselled" (Ethic. iii, 2), it follows that choice can also be ascribed to prudence indirectly, in so far, to wit, as prudence directs the choice by means of counsel.

 

Reply to Objection 3. The worth of prudence consists not in thought merely, but in its application to action, which is the end of the practical reason. Wherefore if any defect occur in this, it is most contrary to prudence, since, the end being of most import in everything, it follows that a defect which touches the end is the worst of all. Hence the Philosopher goes on to say (Ethic. vi, 5) that prudence is "something more than a merely rational habit," such as art is, since, as stated above (I-II, 57, 4) it includes application to action, which application is an act of the will.

 

Article 2. Whether prudence belongs to the practical reason alone or also to the speculative reason?

 

Objection 1. It would seem that prudence belongs not only to the practical, but also to the speculative reason. For it is written (Proverbs 10:23): "Wisdom is prudence to a man." Now wisdom consists chiefly in contemplation. Therefore prudence does also.

 

Objection 2. Further, Ambrose says (De Offic. i, 24): "Prudence is concerned with the quest of truth, and fills us with the desire of fuller knowledge." Now this belongs to the speculative reason. Therefore prudence resides also in the speculative reason.

 

Objection 3. Further, the Philosopher assigns art and prudence to the same part of the soul (Ethic. vi, 1). Now art may be not only practical but also speculative, as in the case of the liberal arts. Therefore prudence also is both practical and speculative.

 

On the contrary, The Philosopher says (Ethic. vi, 5) that prudence is right reason applied to action. Now this belongs to none but the practical reason. Therefore prudence is in the practical reason only.

 

I answer that, According to the Philosopher (Ethic. vi, 5) "a prudent man is one who is capable of taking good counsel." Now counsel is about things that we have to do in relation to some end: and the reason that deals with things to be done for an end is the practical reason. Hence it is evident that prudence resides only in the practical reason.

 

Reply to Objection 1. As stated above (45, 1 and 3), wisdom considers the absolutely highest cause: so that the consideration of the highest cause in any particular genus belongs to wisdom in that genus. Now in the genus of human acts the highest cause is the common end of all human life, and it is this end that prudence intends. For the Philosopher says (Ethic. vi, 5) that just as he who reasons well for the realization of a particular end, such as victory, is said to be prudent, not absolutely, but in a particular genus, namely warfare, so he that reasons well with regard to right conduct as a whole, is said to be prudent absolutely. Wherefore it is clear that prudence is wisdom about human affairs: but not wisdom absolutely, because it is not about the absolutely highest cause, for it is about human good, and this is not the best thing of all. And so it is stated significantly that "prudence is wisdom for man," but not wisdom absolutely.

반론 1에 대한 답변: 위에서 (45,1 및 3)에서 서술되었듯이, 지혜는 절대적으로(absolutely) 최고의 원인(cause)을 생각하며, 그리하여 그 결과 어떤 특정한 류(, genus)(*)에 있어 최고의 원인에 대한 고찰은 바로 그 류(類)에 있어 지혜(wisdom)에 속합니다. 이제 인간 행위(human acts)들로 이루어진 류(類)에 있어 최고의 원인은 모든 인간의 삶의 공통의 끝/목적지(the common end)이며, 그리고 현명(prudence)이 의도하는 것은 바로 이 끝입니다. 이는, 마치 승리와 같이 어떤 특정한 끝의 실현을 위하여 잘 추론하는(reasons well) 자가, 절대적으로가 아니라, 단지 어떤 특정한 류(類), 즉 전쟁에 있어, 현명하다(prudent)고 말해지는 것처럼, 한 개의 전체로서 올바른 처신과 관련하여 잘 추론하는 자가 절대적으로 현명하다(absolutely prudent)고 말해진다고 철학자(Ethic. vi, 5)(**)가 말하기 때문입니다. 바로 이러한 이유로 현명(prudence)은 인간의 일들에 관한 지혜(wisdom)이나, 그러나 절대적으로(absolutely) 지혜가 아님은 분명한데, 왜냐하면 그것이 절대적으로 최고의 원인에 관한 것이 아니기 때문인데, 이는 그것이 인간의 선에 관한 것이지, 그리하여 이것이 모든 것들 중에서 최고의 것에 관한 것은 아니기 때문입니다. 그리하여 그 결과 "현명(prudence)은 사람을 위한 지혜이나" 그러나 절대적으로(absolutely) 지혜는 아니다 라고 의미있게(significantly) 서술됩니다.

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(*) 번역자 주: "종(種, species)", "류(類, genus)", "범주(範疇, category)" 라는 용어들의 정의(definitions)들은 다음에 있다:
http://ch.catholic.or.kr/pundang/4/soh/1270.htm

(**) 번역자 주: 가톨릭 교회 교리서 제1806항은 이 철학자가 그리스 시대의 아리스토텔레스(Aristotle)라고 언급하고 있다.
-----

 

Reply to Objection 2. Ambrose, and Tully also (De Invent. ii, 53) take the word prudence in a broad sense for any human knowledge, whether speculative or practical. And yet it may also be replied that the act itself of the speculative reason, in so far as it is voluntary, is a matter of choice and counsel as to its exercise; and consequently comes under the direction of prudence. On the other hand, as regards its specification in relation to its object which is the "necessary true," it comes under neither counsel nor prudence.

 

Reply to Objection 3. Every application of right reason in the work of production belongs to art: but to prudence belongs only the application of right reason in matters of counsel, which are those wherein there is no fixed way of obtaining the end, as stated in Ethic. iii, 3. Since then, the speculative reason makes things such as syllogisms, propositions and the like, wherein the process follows certain and fixed rules, consequently in respect of such things it is possible to have the essentials of art, but not of prudence; and so we find such a thing as a speculative art, but not a speculative prudence.

 

Article 3. Whether prudence takes cognizance of singulars?

 

Objection 1. It would seem that prudence does not take cognizance of singulars. For prudence is in the reason, as stated above (1 and 2). But "reason deals with universals," according to Phys. i, 5. Therefore prudence does not take cognizance except of universals.

 

Objection 2. Further, singulars are infinite in number. But the reason cannot comprehend an infinite number of things. Therefore prudence which is right reason, is not about singulars.

 

Objection 3. Further, particulars are known by the senses. But prudence is not in a sense, for many persons who have keen outward senses are devoid of prudence. Therefore prudence does not take cognizance of singulars.

 

On the contrary, The Philosopher says (Ethic. vi, 7) that "prudence does not deal with universals only, but needs to take cognizance of singulars also."

 

I answer that, As stated above (1, ad 3), to prudence belongs not only the consideration of the reason, but also the application to action, which is the end of the practical reason. But no man can conveniently apply one thing to another, unless he knows both the thing to be applied, and the thing to which it has to be applied. Now actions are in singular matters: and so it is necessary for the prudent man to know both the universal principles of reason, and the singulars about which actions are concerned.

 

Reply to Objection 1. Reason first and chiefly is concerned with universals, and yet it is able to apply universal rules to particular cases: hence the conclusions of syllogisms are not only universal, but also particular, because the intellect by a kind of reflection extends to matter, as stated in De Anima iii.

 

Reply to Objection 2. It is because the infinite number of singulars cannot be comprehended by human reason, that "our counsels are uncertain" (Wisdom 9:14). Nevertheless experience reduces the infinity of singulars to a certain finite number which occur as a general rule, and the knowledge of these suffices for human prudence.

 

Reply to Objection 3. As the Philosopher says (Ethic. vi, 8), prudence does not reside in the external senses whereby we know sensible objects, but in the interior sense, which is perfected by memory and experience so as to judge promptly of particular cases. This does not mean however that prudence is in the interior sense as in its principle subject, for it is chiefly in the reason, yet by a kind of application it extends to this sense.

 

Article 4. Whether prudence is a virtue?

 

Objection 1. It would seem that prudence is not a virtue. For Augustine says (De Lib. Arb. i, 13) that "prudence is the science of what to desire and what to avoid." Now science is condivided with virtue, as appears in the Predicaments (vi). Therefore prudence is not a virtue.

 

Objection 2. Further, there is no virtue of a virtue: but "there is a virtue of art," as the Philosopher states (Ethic. vi, 5): wherefore art is not a virtue. Now there is prudence in art, for it is written (2 Chronicles 2:14) concerning Hiram, that he knew "to grave all sort of graving, and to devise ingeniously [prudenter] all that there may be need of in the work." Therefore prudence is not a virtue.

 

Objection 3. Further, no virtue can be immoderate. But prudence is immoderate, else it would be useless to say (Proverbs 23:4): "Set bounds to thy prudence." Therefore prudence is not a virtue.

 

On the contrary, Gregory states (Moral. ii, 49) that prudence, temperance, fortitude and justice are four virtues.

 

I answer that, As stated above (I-II, 55, 3; I-II, 56, 1) when we were treating of virtues in general, "virtue is that which makes its possessor good, and his work good likewise." Now good may be understood in a twofold sense: first, materially, for the thing that is good, secondly, formally, under the aspect of good. Good, under the aspect of good, is the object of the appetitive power. Hence if any habits rectify the consideration of reason, without regarding the rectitude of the appetite, they have less of the nature of a virtue since they direct man to good materially, that is to say, to the thing which is good, but without considering it under the aspect of good. On the other hand those virtues which regard the rectitude of the appetite, have more of the nature of virtue, because they consider the good not only materially, but also formally, in other words, they consider that which is good under the aspect of good.

 

Now it belongs to prudence, as stated above (1, ad 3; 3) to apply right reason to action, and this is not done without a right appetite. Hence prudence has the nature of virtue not only as the other intellectual virtues have it, but also as the moral virtues have it, among which virtues it is enumerated.

 

Reply to Objection 1. Augustine there takes science in the broad sense for any kind of right reason.

 

Reply to Objection 2. The Philosopher says that there is a virtue of art, because art does not require rectitude of the appetite; wherefore in order that a man may make right use of his art, he needs to have a virtue which will rectify his appetite. Prudence however has nothing to do with the matter of art, because art is both directed to a particular end, and has fixed means of obtaining that end. And yet, by a kind of comparison, a man may be said to act prudently in matters of art. Moreover in certain arts, on account of the uncertainty of the means for obtaining the end, there is need for counsel, as for instance in the arts of medicine and navigation, as stated in Ethic. iii, 3.

 

Reply to Objection 3. This saying of the wise man does not mean that prudence itself should be moderate, but that moderation must be imposed on other things according to prudence.

 

Article 5. Whether prudence is a special virtue?

 

Objection 1. It would seem that prudence is not a special virtue. For no special virtue is included in the definition of virtue in general, since virtue is defined (Ethic. ii, 6) "an elective habit that follows a mean appointed by reason in relation to ourselves, even as a wise man decides." Now right reason is reason in accordance with prudence, as stated in Ethic. vi, 13. Therefore prudence is not a special virtue.

 

Objection 2. Further, the Philosopher says (Ethic. vi, 13) that "the effect of moral virtue is right action as regards the end, and that of prudence, right action as regards the means." Now in every virtue certain things have to be done as means to the end. Therefore prudence is in every virtue, and consequently is not a special virtue.

 

Objection 3. Further, a special virtue has a special object. But prudence has not a special object, for it is right reason "applied to action" (Ethic. vi, 5); and all works of virtue are actions. Therefore prudence is not a special virtue.

 

On the contrary, It is distinct from and numbered among the other virtues, for it is written (Wisdom 8:7): "She teacheth temperance and prudence, justice and fortitude."

 

이와는 달리, 그것은 다른 덕들 사이에서 구분되고 그리고 번호가 매겨지는데, 이는 "지혜는 절제(temperance)와 현명(prudence)을, 정의(justice)와 굳셈(fortitude)을 가르친다" (지혜 8,7) 라고 쓰여져 있기 때문입니다.

 

I answer that, Since acts and habits take their species from their objects, as shown above (I-II, 01, 3; I-II, 18, 2; I-II, 54, 2), any habit that has a corresponding special object, distinct from other objects, must needs be a special habit, and if it be a good habit, it must be a special virtue. Now an object is called special, not merely according to the consideration of its matter, but rather according to its formal aspect, as explained above (I-II, 54, 2, ad 1). Because one and the same thing is the subject matter of the acts of different habits, and also of different powers, according to its different formal aspects. Now a yet greater difference of object is requisite for a difference of powers than for a difference of habits, since several habits are found in the same power, as stated above (I-II, 54, 1). Consequently any difference in the aspect of an object, that requires a difference of powers, will "a fortiori" require a difference of habits.

 

저는 다음과 같이 답변합니다. 위에서 보여졌듯이(I-II, 01, 3; I-II, 18, 2; I-II, 54, 2), 행위(acts)들과 습관(habits)들은 그들의 대상(objests)들로부터 그들의 종(種, species)을 취하기 때문에, 다른 대상들로부터 구분되는, 한 개의 대응하는 특별한(special) 대상을 가지는 임의의 습관은 한 개의 특별한 습관이 아닐 수 없으며(must needs be), 그리하여 만약에 그것이 한 개의 선한(good) 습관이라면, 그것은 한 개의 특별한 덕(virtue)인 것이 틀림없습니다. 그런데 한 대상은, 위에서 설명되었듯이(I-II, 54, 2, ad 1), 단지 그 질료에 대한 고찰에 따라서가 아니라, 오히려 그 형상적 양상에 따라서, 특별하다(special)고 불립니다. 이는 하나의 그리고 동일한 사물이, 그 서로 다른 형상적 양상들에 따라, 서로 다른 습관들의 행위들의, 그리고 서로 다른 힘(powers)들의, 피대상물이기 때문입니다. 그런데, 위에서 서술되었듯이(I-II, 54, 1), 여러 개의 습관들이 동일한 힘에서 발견되기 때문에, 습관들의 어떤 차이점을 위하여 보다는 힘들의 어떤 차이점을 위하여, 대상에 대한 어떤 여전히 더 커다란 차이점이 필요합니다. 결과적으로, 힘들의 어떤 차이점을 요구하는 한 대상(an object)의 양상에 있어 임의의 차이점은 습관들의 어떤 차이점을 장차 "더욱 더(a fortiori)" 요구할 것입니다.

 

Accordingly we must say that since prudence is in the reason, as stated above (Article 2), it is differentiated from the other intellectual virtues by a material difference of objects. "Wisdom," "knowledge" and "understanding" are about necessary things, whereas "art" and "prudence" are about contingent things, art being concerned with "things made," that is, with things produced in external matter, such as a house, a knife and so forth; and prudence, being concerned with "things done," that is, with things that have their being in the doer himself, as stated above (I-II, 57, 4). On the other hand prudence is differentiated from the moral virtues according to a formal aspect distinctive of powers, i.e. the intellective power, wherein is prudence, and the appetitive power, wherein is moral virtue. Hence it is evident that prudence is a special virtue, distinct from all other virtues.

 

따라서 우리는, 위에서 서술되었듯이(Article 2), 현명이 이성에 있기 때문에, 그것이 대상들의 어떤 질료적 차이점에 의하여 다른 지성덕(intellectual virtues)들로부터 구별된다고 우리는 말하여야 합니다. "지혜(wisdom)", "지식(knowledge)" 그리고 "이해(understanding)" 들은 필연적인 사물들에 관한 것이나, 이와는 달리 "기술(art)" 과 "현명(prudence)"은 [변성(變成)함에 있어 연(緣)이] 비필연적인(非必然的)(contingent) 사물들에 관한 것인데, 이는, 위에서 서술되었듯이(I-II, 57, 4), 기술이 "만들어지는 사물들"과, 즉, 한 채의 집, 한 개의 칼 등과 같은, 외부의 질료로 산출되는 사물들과, 관계되기 때문이고, 그리고 현명이 "행해진 사물들"과, 즉, 그들의 있음(being)을 행하는 자 자신에게서 가지는 사물들과 관계되기 때문입니다. 다른 한편으로 현명은 힘들 특유의 어떤 형상적 양상에 따라, 즉, 그 안에 현명이 있는, 지성을 수행하는 힘(intellectual power) 그리고, 그 안에 윤리덕이 있는, 욕구를 수행하는 힘(appetitive power)에 따라, 윤리덕(the moral virtues)들로부터 구별지어집니다. 따라서 현명이, 모든 다른 덕들로부터 구분되는, 한 개의 특별한 덕인 것은 분명합니다.  

 

Reply to Objection 1. This is not a definition of virtue in general, but of moral virtue, the definition of which fittingly includes an intellectual virtue, viz., prudence, which has the same matter in common with moral virtue; because, just as the subject of moral virtue is something that partakes of reason, so moral virtue has the aspect of virtue, in so far as it partakes of intellectual virtue.

 

Reply to Objection 2. This argument proves that prudence helps all the virtues, and works in all of them; but this does not suffice to prove that it is not a special virtue; for nothing prevents a certain genus from containing a species which is operative in every other species of that same genus, even as the sun has an influence over all bodies.

 

Reply to Objection 3. Things done are indeed the matter of prudence, in so far as they are the object of reason, that is, considered as true: but they are the matter of the moral virtues, in so far as they are the object of the appetitive power, that is, considered as good.

 

Article 6. Whether prudence appoints the end to moral virtues?

 

Objection 1. It would seem that prudence appoints the end to moral virtues. Since prudence is in the reason, while moral virtue is in the appetite, it seems that prudence stands in relation to moral virtue, as reason to the appetite. Now reason appoints the end to the appetitive power. Therefore prudence appoints the end to the moral virtues.

 

Objection 2. Further, man surpasses irrational beings by his reason, but he has other things in common with them. Accordingly the other parts of man are in relation to his reason, what man is in relation to irrational creatures. Now man is the end of irrational creatures, according to Polit. i, 3. Therefore all the other parts of man are directed to reason as to their end. But prudence is "right reason applied to action," as stated above (Article 2). Therefore all actions are directed to prudence as their end. Therefore prudence appoints the end to all moral virtues.

 

Objection 3. Further, it belongs to the virtue, art, or power that is concerned about the end, to command the virtues or arts that are concerned about the means. Now prudence disposes of the other moral virtues, and commands them. Therefore it appoints their end to them.

 

On the contrary, The Philosopher says (Ethic. vi, 12) that "moral virtue ensures the rectitude of the intention of the end, while prudence ensures the rectitude of the means." Therefore it does not belong to prudence to appoint the end to moral virtues, but only to regulate the means.

 

I answer that, The end of moral virtues is human good. Now the good of the human soul is to be in accord with reason, as Dionysius declares (Div. Nom. iv). Wherefore the ends of moral virtue must of necessity pre-exist in the reason.

Now, just as, in the speculative reason, there are certain things naturally known, about which is "understanding," and certain things of which we obtain knowledge through them, viz. conclusions, about which is "science," so in the practical reason, certain things pre-exist, as naturally known principles, and such are the ends of the moral virtues, since the end is in practical matters what principles are in speculative matters, as stated above (23, 07, ad 2; I-II, 13, 3); while certain things are in the practical reason by way of conclusions, and such are the means which we gather from the ends themselves. About these is prudence, which applies universal principles to the particular conclusions of practical matters. Consequently it does not belong to prudence to appoint the end to moral virtues, but only to regulate the means.

 

Reply to Objection 1. Natural reason known by the name of "synderesis" appoints the end to moral virtues, as stated above (I, 79, 12): but prudence does not do this for the reason given above.

 

This suffices for the Reply to the Second Objection.

 

Reply to Objection 3. The end concerns the moral virtues, not as though they appointed the end, but because they tend to the end which is appointed by natural reason. On this they are helped by prudence, which prepares the way for them, by disposing the means. Hence it follows that prudence is more excellent than the moral virtues, and moves them: yet "synderesis" moves prudence, just as the understanding of principles moves science.

 

Article 7. Whether it belongs to prudence to find the mean in moral virtues?

 

Objection 1. It would seem that it does not belong to prudence to find the mean in moral virtues. For the achievement of the mean is the end of moral virtues. But prudence does not appoint the end to moral virtues, as shown above (Article 6). Therefore it does not find the mean in them.

 

Objection 2. Further, that which of itself has being, would seem to have no cause, but its very being is its cause, since a thing is said to have being by reason of its cause. Now "to follow the mean" belongs to moral virtue by reason of itself, as part of its definition, as shown above (5, Objection 1). Therefore prudence does not cause the mean in moral virtues.

 

Objection 3. Further, prudence works after the manner of reason. But moral virtue tends to the mean after the manner of nature, because, as Tully states (De Invent. Rhet. ii, 53), "virtue is a habit like a second nature in accord with reason." Therefore prudence does not appoint the mean to moral virtues.

 

On the contrary, In the foregoing definition of moral virtue (5, Objection 1) it is stated that it "follows a mean appointed by reason . . . even as a wise man decides."

 

I answer that, The proper end of each moral virtue consists precisely in conformity with right reason. For temperance intends that man should not stray from reason for the sake of his concupiscences; fortitude, that he should not stray from the right judgment of reason through fear or daring. Moreover this end is appointed to man according to natural reason, since natural reason dictates to each one that he should act according to reason.

 

But it belongs to the ruling of prudence to decide in what manner and by what means man shall obtain the mean of reason in his deeds. For though the attainment of the mean is the end of a moral virtue, yet this mean is found by the right disposition of these things that are directed to the end.

 

This suffices for the Reply to the First Objection.

 

Reply to Objection 2. Just as a natural agent makes form to be in matter, yet does not make that which is essential to the form to belong to it, so too, prudence appoints the mean in passions and operations, and yet does not make the searching of the mean to belong to virtue.

 

Reply to Objection 3. Moral virtue after the manner of nature intends to attain the mean. Since, however, the mean as such is not found in all matters after the same manner, it follows that the inclination of nature which ever works in the same manner, does not suffice for this purpose, and so the ruling of prudence is required.

 

Article 8. Whether command is the chief act of prudence?

 

Objection 1. It would seem that command is not the chief act of prudence. For command regards the good to be ensued. Now Augustine (De Trin. xiv, 9) states that it is an act of prudence "to avoid ambushes." Therefore command is not the chief act of prudence.

 

Objection 2. Further, the Philosopher says (Ethic. vi, 5) that "the prudent man takes good counsel." Now "to take counsel" and "to command" seem to be different acts, as appears from what has been said above (I-II, 57, 6). Therefore command is not the chief act of prudence.

 

Objection 3. Further, it seems to belong to the will to command and to rule, since the will has the end for its object, and moves the other powers of the soul. Now prudence is not in the will, but in the reason. Therefore command is not an act of prudence.

 

On the contrary, The Philosopher says (Ethic. vi, 10) that "prudence commands."

 

I answer that, Prudence is "right reason applied to action," as stated above (Article 2). Hence that which is the chief act of reason in regard to action must needs be the chief act of prudence. Now there are three such acts. The first is "to take counsel," which belongs to discovery, for counsel is an act of inquiry, as stated above (I-II, 14, 1). The second act is "to judge of what one has discovered," and this is an act of the speculative reason. But the practical reason, which is directed to action, goes further, and its third act is "to command," which act consists in applying to action the things counselled and judged. And since this act approaches nearer to the end of the practical reason, it follows that it is the chief act of the practical reason, and consequently of prudence.

 

In confirmation of this we find that the perfection of art consists in judging and not in commanding: wherefore he who sins voluntarily against his craft is reputed a better craftsman than he who does so involuntarily, because the former seems to do so from right judgment, and the latter from a defective judgment. On the other hand it is the reverse in prudence, as stated in Ethic. vi, 5, for it is more imprudent to sin voluntarily, since this is to be lacking in the chief act of prudence, viz. command, than to sin involuntarily.

 

Reply to Objection 1. The act of command extends both to the ensuing of good and to the avoidance of evil. Nevertheless Augustine ascribes "the avoidance of ambushes" to prudence, not as its chief act, but as an act of prudence that does not continue in heaven.

 

Reply to Objection 2. Good counsel is required in order that the good things discovered may be applied to action: wherefore command belongs to prudence which takes good counsel.

 

Reply to Objection 3. Simply to move belongs to the will: but command denotes motion together with a kind of ordering, wherefore it is an act of the reason, as stated above (I-II, 17, 1).

 

Article 9. Whether solicitude belongs to prudence?

 

Objection 1. It would seem that solicitude does not belong to prudence. For solicitude implies disquiet, wherefore Isidore says (Etym. x) that "a solicitous man is a restless man." Now motion belongs chiefly to the appetitive power: wherefore solicitude does also. But prudence is not in the appetitive power, but in the reason, as stated above (Article 1). Therefore solicitude does not belong to prudence.

 

Objection 2. Further, the certainty of truth seems opposed to solicitude, wherefore it is related (1 Samuel 9:20) that Samuel said to Saul: "As for the asses which were lost three days ago, be not solicitous, because they are found." Now the certainty of truth belongs to prudence, since it is an intellectual virtue. Therefore solicitude is in opposition to prudence rather than belonging to it.

 

Objection 3. Further, the Philosopher says (Ethic. iv, 3) the "magnanimous man is slow and leisurely." Now slowness is contrary to solicitude. Since then prudence is not opposed to magnanimity, for "good is not opposed to good," as stated in the Predicaments (viii) it would seem that solicitude does not belong to prudence.

 

On the contrary, It is written (1 Peter 4:7): "Be prudent . . . and watch in prayers." But watchfulness is the same as solicitude. Therefore solicitude belongs to prudence.

 

I answer that, According to Isidore (Etym. x), a man is said to be solicitous through being shrewd [solers] and alert [citus], in so far as a man through a certain shrewdness of mind is on the alert to do whatever has to be done. Now this belongs to prudence, whose chief act is a command about what has been already counselled and judged in matters of action. Hence the Philosopher says (Ethic. vi, 9) that "one should be quick in carrying out the counsel taken, but slow in taking counsel." Hence it is that solicitude belongs properly to prudence, and for this reason Augustine says (De Morib. Eccl. xxiv) that "prudence keeps most careful watch and ward, lest by degrees we be deceived unawares by evil counsel."

 

Reply to Objection 1. Movement belongs to the appetitive power as to the principle of movement, in accordance however, with the direction and command of reason, wherein solicitude consists.

 

Reply to Objection 2. According to the Philosopher (Ethic. i, 3), "equal certainty should not be sought in all things, but in each matter according to its proper mode." And since the matter of prudence is the contingent singulars about which are human actions, the certainty of prudence cannot be so great as to be devoid of all solicitude.

 

Reply to Objection 3. The magnanimous man is said to be "slow and leisurely" not because he is solicitous about nothing, but because he is not over-solicitous about many things, and is trustful in matters where he ought to have trust, and is not over-solicitous about them: for over-much fear and distrust are the cause of over-solicitude, since fear makes us take counsel, as stated above (I-II, 44, 2) when we were treating of the passion of fear.

 

Article 10. Whether solicitude belongs to prudence?

 

Objection 1. It would seem that prudence does not extend to the governing of many, but only to the government of oneself. For the Philosopher says (Ethic. v, 1) that virtue directed to the common good is justice. But prudence differs from justice. Therefore prudence is not directed to the common good.

 

Objection 2. Further, he seems to be prudent, who seeks and does good for himself. Now those who seek the common good often neglect their own. Therefore they are not prudent.

 

Objection 3. Further, prudence is specifically distinct from temperance and fortitude. But temperance and fortitude seem to be related only to a man's own good. Therefore the same applies to prudence.

 

On the contrary, Our Lord said (Matthew 24:45): "Who, thinkest thou, is a faithful and prudent [Douay: 'wise'] servant whom his lord hath appointed over his family?"

 

I answer that, According to the Philosopher (Ethic. vi, 8) some have held that prudence does not extend to the common good, but only to the good of the individual, and this because they thought that man is not bound to seek other than his own good. But this opinion is opposed to charity, which "seeketh not her own" (1 Corinthians 13:5): wherefore the Apostle says of himself (1 Corinthians 10:33): "Not seeking that which is profitable to myself, but to many, that they may be saved." Moreover it is contrary to right reason, which judges the common good to be better than the good of the individual.

 

Accordingly, since it belongs to prudence rightly to counsel, judge, and command concerning the means of obtaining a due end, it is evident that prudence regards not only the private good of the individual, but also the common good of the multitude.

 

Reply to Objection 1. The Philosopher is speaking there of moral virtue. Now just as every moral virtue that is directed to the common good is called "legal" justice, so the prudence that is directed to the common good is called "political" prudence, for the latter stands in the same relation to legal justice, as prudence simply so called to moral virtue.

 

Reply to Objection 2. He that seeks the good of the many, seeks in consequence his own good, for two reasons. First, because the individual good is impossible without the common good of the family, state, or kingdom. Hence Valerius Maximus says [Fact. et Dict. Memor. iv, 6 of the ancient Romans that "they would rather be poor in a rich empire than rich in a poor empire." Secondly, because, since man is a part of the home and state, he must needs consider what is good for him by being prudent about the good of the many. For the good disposition of parts depends on their relation to the whole; thus Augustine says (Confess. iii, 8) that "any part which does not harmonize with its whole, is offensive."

 

Reply to Objection 3. Even temperance and fortitude can be directed to the common good, hence there are precepts of law concerning them as stated in Ethic. v, 1: more so, however, prudence and justice, since these belong to the rational faculty which directly regards the universal, just as the sensitive part regards singulars.

 

Article 11. Whether prudence about one's own good is specifically the same as that which extends to the common good?

 

Objection 1. It seems that prudence about one's own good is the same specifically as that which extends to the common good. For the Philosopher says (Ethic. vi, 8) that "political prudence, and prudence are the same habit, yet their essence is not the same."

 

Objection 2. Further, the Philosopher says (Polit. iii, 2) that "virtue is the same in a good man and in a good ruler." Now political prudence is chiefly in the ruler, in whom it is architectonic, as it were. Since then prudence is a virtue of a good man, it seems that prudence and political prudence are the same habit.

 

Objection 3. Further, a habit is not diversified in species or essence by things which are subordinate to one another. But the particular good, which belongs to prudence simply so called, is subordinate to the common good, which belongs to political prudence. Therefore prudence and political prudence differ neither specifically nor essentially.

 

On the contrary, "Political prudence," which is directed to the common good of the state, "domestic economy" which is of such things as relate to the common good of the household or family, and "monastic economy" which is concerned with things affecting the good of one person, are all distinct sciences. Therefore in like manner there are different kinds of prudence, corresponding to the above differences of matter.

 

I answer that, As stated above (5; 54, 2, ad 1), the species of habits differ according to the difference of object considered in its formal aspect. Now the formal aspect of all things directed to the end, is taken from the end itself, as shown above (I-II, Prolog.; I-II, 102, 1), wherefore the species of habits differ by their relation to different ends. Again the individual good, the good of the family, and the good of the city and kingdom are different ends.

Wherefore there must needs be different species of prudence corresponding to these different ends, so that one is "prudence" simply so called, which is directed to one's own good; another, "domestic prudence" which is directed to the common good of the home; and a third, "political prudence," which is directed to the common good of the state or kingdom.

 

Reply to Objection 1. The Philosopher means, not that political prudence is substantially the same habit as any kind of prudence, but that it is the same as the prudence which is directed to the common good. This is called "prudence" in respect of the common notion of prudence, i.e. as being right reason applied to action, while it is called "political," as being directed to the common good.

 

Reply to Objection 2. As the Philosopher declares (Polit. iii, 2), "it belongs to a good man to be able to rule well and to obey well," wherefore the virtue of a good man includes also that of a good ruler. Yet the virtue of the ruler and of the subject differs specifically, even as the virtue of a man and of a woman, as stated by the same authority (Polit. iii, 2).

 

Reply to Objection 3. Even different ends, one of which is subordinate to the other, diversify the species of a habit, thus for instance, habits directed to riding, soldiering, and civic life, differ specifically although their ends are subordinate to one another. On like manner, though the good of the individual is subordinate to the good of the many, that does not prevent this difference from making the habits differ specifically; but it follows that the habit which is directed to the last end is above the other habits and commands them.

 

Article 12. Whether prudence is in subjects, or only in their rulers?

 

Objection 1. It would seem that prudence is not in subjects but only in their rulers. For the Philosopher says (Polit. iii, 2) that "prudence alone is the virtue proper to a ruler, while other virtues are common to subjects and rulers, and the prudence of the subject is not a virtue but a true opinion."

 

Objection 2. Further, it is stated in Polit. i, 5 that "a slave is not competent to take counsel." But prudence makes a man take good counsel (Ethic. vi, 5). Therefore prudence is not befitting slaves or subjects.

 

Objection 3. Further, prudence exercises command, as stated above (Article 8). But command is not in the competency of slaves or subjects but only of rulers. Therefore prudence is not in subjects but only in rulers.

 

On the contrary, The Philosopher says (Ethic. vi, 8) that there are two kinds of political prudence, one of which is "legislative" and belongs to rulers, while the other "retains the common name political," and is about "individual actions." Now it belongs also to subjects to perform these individual actions. Therefore prudence is not only in rulers but also in subjects.

 

이와는 달리, 철학자는(*) (Ethic. vi, 8) 다음과 같이 말합니다: 정치적 현명(prudence)의 두 종류들이 있는데, 그것의 하나는 "입법적이며(legislative)" 그리고 지배자(rulers)들에게 속하며, 이와는 달리 다른 하나는 "그 통상적 이름인 정치적이다(political)를 포함하며," 그리고 "개별 행동들(individual actions)" 에 속한다. 그런데 현명은 이들 개별 행동들을 실행하는 대상(objects)들에 또한 속한다. 그러므로 현명은 지배자들에게만 있는 것이 아니라 또한 대상들에게도 있다.

 

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(*) 번역자: 여기서 말하는 철학자는 그리스의 철학자인 아리스토텔레스(Aristotle)를 말한다.
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I answer that, Prudence is in the reason. Now ruling and governing belong properly to the reason; and therefore it is proper to a man to reason and be prudent in so far as he has a share in ruling and governing. But it is evident that the subject as subject, and the slave as slave, are not competent to rule and govern, but rather to be ruled and governed. Therefore prudence is not the virtue of a slave as slave, nor of a subject as subject.

 

저는 다음과 같이 답변합니다. 현명(prudence)은 이성(reason) 안에 있습니다. 그런데 지배 행위와 통치 행위는 이 이성에 고유하게 속하며, 그리하여 그 결과 한 사람이 지배 행위와 통치 행위에 어떤 몫을 가지고 있는 한 그가 추론하고(reason) 그리고 현명한 것(be prudent)은 고유합니다(proper). 그러나 대상(objest)으로서 그 대상, 그리고 노예로서 그 노예들이, 지배하고 그리고 통치하는 자격이 있는(competent) 것이 아니라, 오히려 지배를 받아야 하고 그리고 통치를 받아야 하는 것은 명백합니다. 그러므로 현명은 노예로서 한 명의 노예의, 그리고 대상으로서 한 대상의, 덕(virtue)이 아닙니다.

 

Since, however, every man, for as much as he is rational, has a share in ruling according to the judgment of reason, he is proportionately competent to have prudence. Wherefore it is manifest that prudence is in the ruler "after the manner of a mastercraft" (Ethic. vi, 8), but in the subjects, "after the manner of a handicraft."

 

그러나 각 사람이, 그가 이성적이라는 사실을 고려하는 한(for as much as), 이성의 판단에 따라 지배 행위에 한 몫을 가지고 있기 때문에, 그는 현명을 가지는 것에 비례적으로 자격이 있습니다. 그런 이유로 현명이 "어떤 지배자 기예(a mastercraft)라는 방식 후에" 지배자에게 있으나(Ethic. vi, 8), 그러나, "어떤 수공예(a handicraft)라는 방식 후에" 대상들에게 있음이 분명합니다.  

 

Reply to Objection 1. The saying of the Philosopher is to be understood strictly, namely, that prudence is not the virtue of a subject as such.

 

Reply to Objection 2. A slave is not capable of taking counsel, in so far as he is a slave (for thus he is the instrument of his master), but he does take counsel in so far as he is a rational animal.

 

Reply to Objection 3. By prudence a man commands not only others, but also himself, in so far as the reason is said to command the lower powers.

 

Article 13. Whether prudence can be in sinners?

 

Objection 1. It would seem that there can be prudence in sinners. For our Lord said (Luke 16:8): "The children of this world are more prudent [Douay: 'wiser'] in their generation than the children of light." Now the children of this world are sinners. Therefore there be prudence in sinners.

 

Objection 2. Further, faith is a more excellent virtue than prudence. But there can be faith in sinners. Therefore there can be prudence also.

 

Objection 3. Further, according to Ethic. vi, 7, "we say that to be of good counsel is the work of prudent man especially." Now many sinners can take good counsel. Therefore sinners can have prudence.

 

On the contrary, The Philosopher declares (Ethic. vi, 12) that "it is impossible for a man be prudent unless he be good." Now no inner is a good man. Therefore no sinner is prudent.

 

I answer that, Prudence is threefold. There is a false prudence, which takes its name from its likeness to true prudence. For since a prudent man is one who disposes well of the things that have to be done for a good end, whoever disposes well of such things as are fitting for an evil end, has false prudence, in far as that which he takes for an end, is good, not in truth but in appearance. Thus man is called "a good robber," and in this way may speak of "a prudent robber," by way of similarity, because he devises fitting ways of committing robbery. This is the prudence of which the Apostle says (Romans 8:6): "The prudence [Douay: 'wisdom'] of the flesh is death," because, to wit, it places its ultimate end in the pleasures of the flesh.

 

The second prudence is indeed true prudence, because it devises fitting ways of obtaining a good end; and yet it is imperfect, from a twofold source. First, because the good which it takes for an end, is not the common end of all human life, but of some particular affair; thus when a man devises fitting ways of conducting business or of sailing a ship, he is called a prudent businessman, or a prudent sailor; secondly, because he fails in the chief act of prudence, as when a man takes counsel aright, and forms a good judgment, even about things concerning life as a whole, but fails to make an effective command.

 

The third prudence is both true and perfect, for it takes counsel, judges and commands aright in respect of the good end of man's whole life: and this alone is prudence simply so-called, and cannot be in sinners, whereas the first prudence is in sinners alone, while imperfect prudence is common to good and wicked men, especially that which is imperfect through being directed to a particular end, since that which is imperfect on account of a failing in the chief act, is only in the wicked.

 

Reply to Objection 1. This saying of our Lord is to be understood of the first prudence, wherefore it is not said that they are prudent absolutely, but that they are prudent in "their generation."

 

Reply to Objection 2. The nature of faith consists not in conformity with the appetite for certain right actions, but in knowledge alone. On the other hand prudence implies a relation to a right appetite. First because its principles are the ends in matters of action; and of such ends one forms a right estimate through the habits of moral virtue, which rectify the appetite: wherefore without the moral virtues there is no prudence, as shown above (I-II, 58, 5); secondly because prudence commands right actions, which does not happen unless the appetite be right. Wherefore though faith on account of its object is more excellent than prudence, yet prudence, by its very nature, is more opposed to sin, which arises from a disorder of the appetite.

 

Reply to Objection 3. Sinners can take good counsel for an evil end, or for some particular good, but they do not perfectly take good counsel for the end of their whole life, since they do not carry that counsel into effect. Hence they lack prudence which is directed to the good only; and yet in them, according to the Philosopher (Ethic. vi, 12) there is "cleverness," [deinotike] i.e. natural diligence which may be directed to both good and evil; or "cunning," [panourgia] which is directed only to evil, and which we have stated above, to be "false prudence" or "prudence of the flesh."

 

Article 14. Whether prudence is in all who have grace?

 

Objection 1. It would seem that prudence is not in all who have grace. Prudence requires diligence, that one may foresee aright what has to be done. But many who have grace have not this diligence. Therefore not all who have grace have prudence.

 

Objection 2. Further, a prudent man is one who takes good counsel, as stated above (8, Objection 2; 13, Objection 3). Yet many have grace who do not take good counsel, and need to be guided by the counsel of others. Therefore not all who have grace, have prudence.

 

Objection 3. Further, the Philosopher says (Topic. iii, 2) that "young people are not obviously prudent." Yet many young people have grace. Therefore prudence is not to be found in all who have grace.

 

On the contrary, No man has grace unless he be virtuous. Now no man can be virtuous without prudence, for Gregory says (Moral. ii, 46) that "the other virtues cannot be virtues at all unless they effect prudently what they desire to accomplish." Therefore all who have grace have prudence.

 

I answer that, The virtues must needs be connected together, so that whoever has one has all, as stated above (I-II, 65, 1). Now whoever has grace has charity, so that he must needs have all the other virtues, and hence, since prudence is a virtue, as shown above (Article 4), he must, of necessity, have prudence also.

 

Reply to Objection 1. Diligence is twofold: one is merely sufficient with regard to things necessary for salvation; and such diligence is given to all who have grace, whom "His unction teacheth of all things" (1 John 2:27). There is also another diligence which is more than sufficient, whereby a man is able to make provision both for himself and for others, not only in matters necessary for salvation, but also in all things relating to human life; and such diligence as this is not in all who have grace.

 

Reply to Objection 2. Those who require to be guided by the counsel of others, are able, if they have grace, to take counsel for themselves in this point at least, that they require the counsel of others and can discern good from evil counsel.

 

Reply to Objection 3. Acquired prudence is caused by the exercise of acts, wherefore "its acquisition demands experience and time" (Ethic. ii, 1), hence it cannot be in the young, neither in habit nor in act. On the other hand gratuitous prudence is caused by divine infusion. Wherefore, in children who have been baptized but have not come to the use of reason, there is prudence as to habit but not as to act, even as in idiots; whereas in those who have come to the use of reason, it is also as to act, with regard to things necessary for salvation. This by practice merits increase, until it becomes perfect, even as the other virtues. Hence the Apostle says (Hebrews 5:14) that "strong meat is for the perfect, for them who by custom have their senses exercised to the discerning of good and evil."

 

Article 15. Whether prudence is in us by nature?

 

Objection 1. It would seem that prudence is in us by nature. The Philosopher says that things connected with prudence "seem to be natural," namely "synesis, gnome" [synesis and gnome, Cf. I-II, 57, 6 and the like, but not those which are connected with speculative wisdom. Now things belonging to the same genus have the same kind of origin. Therefore prudence also is in us from nature.

 

Objection 2. Further, the changes of age are according to nature. Now prudence results from age, according to Job 12:12: "In the ancient is wisdom, and in length of days prudence." Therefore prudence is natural.

 

Objection 3. Further, prudence is more consistent with human nature than with that of dumb animals. Now there are instances of a certain natural prudence in dumb animals, according to the Philosopher (De Hist. Anim. viii, 1). Therefore prudence is natural.

 

On the contrary, The Philosopher says (Ethic. ii, 1) that "intellectual virtue is both originated and fostered by teaching; it therefore demands experience and time." Now prudence is an intellectual virtue, as stated above (Article 4). Therefore prudence is in us, not by nature, but by teaching and experience.

 

I answer that, As shown above (Article 3), prudence includes knowledge both of universals, and of the singular matters of action to which prudence applies the universal principles. Accordingly, as regards the knowledge of universals, the same is to be said of prudence as of speculative science, because the primary universal principles of either are known naturally, as shown above (Article 6): except that the common principles of prudence are more connatural to man; for as the Philosopher remarks (Ethic. x, 7) "the life which is according to the speculative reason is better than that which is according to man": whereas the secondary universal principles, whether of the speculative or of the practical reason, are not inherited from nature, but are acquired by discovery through experience, or through teaching.

 

On the other hand, as regards the knowledge of particulars which are the matter of action, we must make a further distinction, because this matter of action is either an end or the means to an end. Now the right ends of human life are fixed; wherefore there can be a natural inclination in respect of these ends; thus it has been stated above (I-II, 51, 1; I-II, 63, 1) that some, from a natural inclination, have certain virtues whereby they are inclined to right ends; and consequently they also have naturally a right judgment about such like ends.

 

But the means to the end, in human concerns, far from being fixed, are of manifold variety according to the variety of persons and affairs. Wherefore since the inclination of nature is ever to something fixed, the knowledge of those means cannot be in man naturally, although, by reason of his natural disposition, one man has a greater aptitude than another in discerning them, just as it happens with regard to the conclusions of speculative sciences. Since then prudence is not about the ends, but about the means, as stated above (6; I-II, 57, 5), it follows that prudence is not from nature.

 

Reply to Objection 1. The Philosopher is speaking there of things relating to prudence, in so far as they are directed to ends. Wherefore he had said before (Ethic. vi, 5,11) that "they are the principles of the ou heneka" [Literally, 'for the sake of which' (are the means)], namely, the end; and so he does not mention euboulia among them, because it takes counsel about the means.

 

Reply to Objection 2. Prudence is rather in the old, not only because their natural disposition calms the movement of the sensitive passions, but also because of their long experience.

 

Reply to Objection 3. Even in dumb animals there are fixed ways of obtaining an end, wherefore we observe that all the animals of a same species act in like manner. But this is impossible in man, on account of his reason, which takes cognizance of universals, and consequently extends to an infinity of singulars.

 

Article 16. Whether prudence can be lost through forgetfulness?

 

Objection 1. It would seem that prudence can be lost through forgetfulness. For since science is about necessary things, it is more certain than prudence which is about contingent matters of action. But science is lost by forgetfulness. Much more therefore is prudence.

 

Objection 2. Further, as the Philosopher says (Ethic. ii, 3) "the same things, but by a contrary process, engender and corrupt virtue." Now the engendering of prudence requires experience which is made up "of many memories," as he states at the beginning of his Metaphysics (i, 1). Therefore since forgetfulness is contrary to memory, it seems that prudence can be lost through forgetfulness.

 

Objection 3. Further, there is no prudence without knowledge of universals.

But knowledge of universals can be lost through forgetfulness. Therefore prudence can also.

 

On the contrary, The Philosopher says (Ethic. vi, 5) that "forgetfulness is possible to art but not to prudence."

 

I answer that, Forgetfulness regards knowledge only, wherefore one can forget art and science, so as to lose them altogether, because they belong to the reason. But prudence consists not in knowledge alone, but also in an act of the appetite, because as stated above (Article 8), its principal act is one of command, whereby a man applies the knowledge he has, to the purpose of appetition and operation. Hence prudence is not taken away directly by forgetfulness, but rather is corrupted by the passions. For the Philosopher says (Ethic. vi, 5) that "pleasure and sorrow pervert the estimate of prudence": wherefore it is written (Daniel 13:56): "Beauty hath deceived thee, and lust hath subverted thy heart," and (Exodus 23:8): "Neither shalt thou take bribes which blind even the prudent [Douay: 'wise']."

 

Nevertheless forgetfulness may hinder prudence, in so far as the latter's command depends on knowledge which may be forgotten.

 

Reply to Objection 1. Science is in the reason only: hence the comparison fails, as stated above [Cf. I-II, 53, 1].

 

Reply to Objection 2. The experience required by prudence results not from memory alone, but also from the practice of commanding aright.

 

Reply to Objection 3. Prudence consists chiefly, not in the knowledge of universals, but in applying them to action, as stated above (Article 3). Wherefore forgetting the knowledge of universals does not destroy the principal part of prudence, but hinders it somewhat, as stated above.

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작성자: 교수 소순태 마태오 (Ph.D.)



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