Fr. Gregory Pine on prudence

Modern moral philosophers typically have much to say about abstract principles, but are not of much help for the average person seeking concrete moral advice.  Self-help books, meanwhile, have practical relevance but are philosophically superficial.  One of the strengths of Aquinas’s ethics is that it is philosophically sophisticated while at the same time offering practical guidance to non-philosophers.  This is especially true of his treatment of the virtues.  But even Aquinas sometimes needs a bit of exposition to make him accessible to modern readers.

For this reason, works like Fr. Gregory Pine’s new book Prudence: Choose Confidently, Live Boldly are most needed and welcome.  It is philosophically and theologically well-informed, while at the same time written with admirable clarity and relevance to real-world problems.  And its subject matter is of special importance, since prudence is that cardinal virtue most crucial to the successful pursuit of the moral life.

Fr. Gregory is interviewed about the book at Word on Fire, has given a brief overview of it on Pints with Aquinas and discussed it in greater depth on The Catholic Man Show.  Take a look!