Finding Aristotle on the frontline : phronesis and social work

Whitaker, EM

Abstract

This chapter outlines how Aristotle’s concept of phronesis has gained traction as an analytical concept for research in recent years, particularly in areas of social policy most concerned with the professions of social work, education and medicine. Firstly, the chapter will outline Aristotle’s conception of the intellectual virtue he called ‘phronesis’, referred to in contemporary parlance as ‘practical wisdom’. Following this, the chapter will turn to why research in the sociology of organisational life has found fruitful ground in the application of the concept of phronesis. Finally, the chapter uses the policy of personalisation as a lens
through which to view phronesis within the context of social work
practice where practical wisdom as a category for analysis can be
identified as arising from the interactions of social workers implementing this policy.

• Publication Date: Jun 26, 2014
• Deposit Date: Feb 12, 2020
• Publisher: Policy Press
• Pages: 181-200
• Series Title: Social Policy Review
• Series Number: 26
• Book Title: Social Policy Review 26 Analysis and Debate in Social Policy 2014
• ISBN: 9781447315568
• Publisher URL: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/social-policy-review-26
• Related Public URLs: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/home