Phronēsis is the ancient Greek word for prudence, or practical wisdom. The philosopher Aristotle identified phronēsis as the distinctive characteristic of political leaders and citizens in reflecting on ethical and political issues that affect their individual good and the common good. The Honors College minor degree and program in Politics and Ethics, Phronēsis, aims to cultivate in students this virtue, by developing their capacities to engage the challenging moral and political problems confronting our world today.

Building upon the Honors College’s signature course, "The Human Situation," the curriculum of Phronēsis introduces students to major works in ethics, political philosophy, and classic literature. In their courses, students discuss fundamental questions and problems of political and moral concern from a wide range of perspectives. Students who choose the Phronēsis minor degree can also become active in a co-curricular program with a strong community fostered by interdisciplinary faculty in political science, philosophy, history, and classical studies.

Students in Phronēsis come to understand the tradition of civic education that is a central principle within the liberal education appropriate to free human beings and citizens. Through the study of the inherited wisdom of the past, we prepare ourselves to meet the challenges of our own times and learn the virtues of citizenship that sustain the civic institutions of a democratic republic: freedom of thought, open inquiry, civil discussion, and the exercise of reasoned judgment.

Phronēsis students have declared majors across all of the undergraduate colleges in the University, and the Minor's curriculum expands career options for those who want to pursue graduate studies and law school. The foundational and elective courses in themselves contribute to the core Mission of the Honors College, which promotes life-long learning, engaged citizenship, and flourishing lives for our students. 

You can officially declare the Phronēsis minor here.

 
Phronēsis students tour Washington D.C.

Dr. Bernard Dobski lectures: "Modern Comedy: Mark Twain and American Democracy"

Group of Phronēsis minor students and alumni