Values Based Decision Making Process

Prudence (Practical Wisdom)

Right judgements in what we must do or not do. It involves the ability to determine the proper means to achieve a good in any given situation and to act upon it. Prudence comes from the Latin word providential, which means ‘to see before’ or to have foresight. Using the writings of Aristotle and Cicero, Thomas Aquinas identified the integral parts of prudence required in order for this virtue to function and exist:

Reasoning – knowledge of the past and present

  • Memory – knowledge of past experiences and lessons learnt.
  • Understanding – considering the particulars and specifics of the situation.  Ethical principles that can be applied?

Reasoning – acquiring knowledge

  • Teachableness – capable of being taught and learning from others. Accepting/seeking council.
  • Shrewdness- quick cleverness. Gathering the facts and recognising the logical action.

Reasoning – applying knowledge

  • Foresight – predicting what might or might not come to be. Prepare for possibilities and consequences.
  • Circumspection – taking all circumstances into account.
  • Caution – taking the time to look carefully to avoid obstacles.

Therefore when an individual is being prudent they reflect upon possible courses of action, discern which is best, and then do it.

Justice

Justice involves right judgements in relation to others. It requires the capacity to seek and do what is right for others and the common good, as well as ourselves. The word justice comes from the Latin word jus or ius, which means ‘right.’

Aristotle, Cicero, Thomas Aquinas and many of the philosophers see the integral parts of justice as simply to ‘do good’ and ‘avoid evil.’

The following are the annexed or additional parts to justice.

  • Respect – giving honour to others and upholding their dignity through words and deeds. Obedience to rightful authority.
  • Gratitude – acknowledging what others have done for you and being thankful.
  • Truth – our intellectual minds are designed to seek the truth.

 Fortitude

To do what is right despite any difficulty. It involves the capacity to do the difficult to achieve the excellent. Fortitude derives from the Latin word fortis, meaning ‘strength.’ The following are the integral parts that are necessary for the complete expression of the virtue. 

  • Magnanimity – confidence to strive for great and honourable things.
  • Magnificence – accomplish great things within the limits of our resources.
  • Patience – the ability to endure suffering and hardships.
  • Perseverance – commitment to completing virtuous acts, regardless of obstacles or delays.

 Temperance

To be able to moderate our desires and avoid influences that may not be honourable. Thomas Aquinas explains that temperance seeks not to destroy pleasure, but to remove our desires from the pleasures that would destroy us. The two integral parts of temperance are:

  • Shamefacedness – fear of doing what is wrong.
  • Honesty – honourable in thoughts and deeds.

The following are the potential or supportive parts of temperance.

  • Meekness – carefully regulate anger.  It has the right measure, right time and right reason.
  • Continence – self control and self discipline.
  • Modesty – speaking, behaving and presenting oneself honourably.