Origin and Development of Aristotelian Phronesis

This article investigates the origin and development of Aristotelian Phronesis from the perspective of history of thought.Through the analysis of Aristotelian expositions of phronesis in his early,middle and later years,the author finds that there is a clue hidden from the Platonic influence.Therefore,phronesis shackles the shadow of theoretical wisdom and becomes an independent core term in practical philosophy.In this process,Aristotle relies on the other teacher——ancient Greek rhetorician and educationist Isocrates,who has conflicting ideas from Plato concerning phronesis in practical affairs.Aristotle absorbs this and embodies his phronesis with form of Isocrates,while still close to Plato concerning standard.