Life presents us with a myriad of moral challenges, often leaving us feeling perplexed and uncertain about the best course of action. While we may hold steadfast to our moral principles, the real test lies in applying them to specific circumstances, which demand creativity and improvisation. We require a skillset that empowers us to answer the ubiquitous question: "What should I do now?"
56. Prudence is the most necessary of the moral virtues.
58. Imprudence is the lack of due process.
59. Ethics = Morals.
60. Fairness is not a feeling but a will.
61. Justice can't be blind, it needs to look at the dignity of the person.
62. Being fair to others is good for you.
The challenge of navigating life's trials remains unresolved. Frequently, we feel tempted to seek rigid principles to alleviate our problems. However, the only rigid principles we should adopt are those prohibiting the violation of human dignity. Other moral principles serve as guiding lights, pointing out necessary goals to pursue in a general sense. Yet, the question of how to apply these principles in specific situations doesn't demand another principle but rather a virtue: prudence.
Prudence considers the specific circumstances at hand, rendering each case unique. It entails a creative exercise of reason to devise appropriate means to achieve noble ends and execute them effectively. Prudence necessitates evaluating the situation, selecting the most suitable course of action from among realistic options, and implementing that decision within the concrete context. There exists no one-size-fits-all moral solution for all dilemmas.
Furthermore, our decisions must extend beyond merely considering different circumstances; they must also prioritize the individuals affected by our decisions. Humans are persons with inherent rights and corresponding duties. Hence, we must exercise prudent judgment to discern what is owed to those with whom we interact and be prepared to fulfill those obligations.
Authentic fairness in society transcends mere legal obligations. A truly better world is one inhabited by virtuous individuals. A superior society comprises people who have cultivated social virtues—virtues that compel them to honor their obligations to those who contribute to society. Aspiring to a society where we demand more freedoms while shirking responsibilities and duties is fundamentally at odds with the ethos of societies that recognize the moral imperative to consider others and correspond to their contributions. If we aspire to build better societies, the journey must commence within ourselves. We must embrace social virtues that afford others truth, recognition, acknowledgment, generosity, and even moral guidance. We are not solitary entities; we are inherently social beings. However, living harmoniously in society necessitates embracing moral obligations and developing social virtues.