A Research On Sidgwick’s Principle Of Prudence

Sidgwick talked about the concept of prudence in his three ethical methods: egoism,intuitionism and utilitarianism.The concept of prudence in these three methods has different meanings;its special reference to the principle of prudence is given in the intuitionistic method,the principle of prudence is often contrasted with the principle of benevolence in the utilitarian method,in both methods the object of prudence is always concerned with happiness or interests,whereas in Sidgwick’s theory of happiness reveals the inherent requirement of the principle of prudence.By discussing the connections between Sidgwick’s principles of justice,prudence and benevolence,my thesis try to use these connections to show and compare the meanings of Sidgwick’s three methods,to unify the meaning of the concept of prudence and the principle of prudence in these three methods,to compare them with Sidgwick’s fragmented account of the concept of prudence,and to identify ambiguities in the account of the principle of prudence.In this way,the question of the consistency between the principle of prudence and the principle of benevolence is viewed in the light of the ambiguities in Sidgwick’s fragmented account of principle of prudence.Finally,Sidgwick’s principle of prudence is compared with other theories such as Aristotle’s account of wisdom and Rawls’ commentary on the classical utilitarian principle,to bring out more clearly the contradictions contained in Sidgwick’s prudence,as well as to show how the contradictions inherent in the principle create a conflict between the principle of individual choice and the universal principle,and,based on this clues to further reflections on the principle of prudence.The Dualism of Practical Reason manifests itself concretely as a conflict between happiness or interest and duty,and Sidgwick argues that it is impossible to make a fully rational decision in both respects.In addition,a comparison of Hobbes’ discussion of subjects and sovereigns with Sidgwick’s question of the Dualism of Practical Reason reveals the significance of Sidgwick’s treatment of this conflict.