Phronesis
Phronesis is the skill of working out the right thing to do in a particular situation, and actually doing it.
Full definition of Phronesis →:: COMPARE ::
PhronesisvsSophia
The short answer
Phronēsis reasons about what to do — resolving, through reflection, the question of what one is to do. Sophia contemplates what is unchangingly true. Aristotle ranks sophia higher; contemporary usage, which loves the practical, usually doesn't — and rarely mentions that it's disagreeing with him.
Side by side
| Aspect | Phronesis | Sophia |
|---|---|---|
| Concerns | What to do | What is true |
| Domain | Changeable particulars | Unchanging |
| Aristotle ranks | Lower | Higher |
| Modern usage ranks | Higher | Lower |
What each one means
Sophia
The contrast above sets out how Sophia differs from Phronesis on the points that actually matter.