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Phronesis
“For to constitute Happiness, there must be, as we have said, complete virtue and a complete life.”
Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics
The word phronesis is Greek for "practical wisdom." The word itself was discussed in Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, and is discussed within the context of men achieving "morally right" or "virtuous" lives through the application of practical wisdom. More specifically phronesis is the application of knowledge granted from experience which is gifted from one person to another. Phronesis is the embodiment of practical wisdom toward inspiring the embodiment of ‘right action.’
In the context of this project, phronesis is the application of practical wisdom to achieve a happy, peaceful, prosperous life with wisdom being gained from a variety of ways in Irish cultural rhetorics. Phronesis, or practical wisdom is transmitted and embodied in Irish culture and rhetoric through storytelling, folklore, music, and poetry.
Phronesis in Irish Rhetoric
Practical wisdom may be attributed as a facet of cultural knowledge or cultural common sense. Phronesis is transmitted through a variety of pathways in the Irish culture to maintain cultural traditions and values.
1
Béaloideas
2
Craic
3
Aisling
4
Blarney
5
Seanfhocail
6
Imbas Forosnai
Folklore and Storytelling
Main Focus
Although this website mentions a variety of themes and tenets of Irish rhetoric, the main focus of this project is on phronesis (wisdom) being transmitted through folklore and storytelling, Béaloideas, which the other pathways rely on. All aspects of Irish rhetoric are interwoven with one another, and not one aspect or theme can be fully separated from the rest.
Main Rhetorical Themes
In Irish Practical Wisdom that are Aimed at Helping the Irish Live a Full and Happy Life
HOSPITALITY & RELATIONSHIPS
Resilience
Spirituality
Time
Social Good
Wit and Humor
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