TY - JOUR T1 - An A–Z of medical philosophy JF - British Journal of General Practice JO - Br J Gen Pract SP - 191 LP - 191 DO - 10.3399/bjgp14X677905 VL - 64 IS - 621 AU - David Misselbrook Y1 - 2014/04/01 UR - http://bjgp.org/content/64/621/191.abstract N2 - Phronesis means ‘practical wisdom’. For Aristotle it is one of the most important human excellences or virtues. It acts as a central controller for all of our faculties and without it our actions are ineffective. It is the conductor of the orchestra of our thoughts, skills, and behaviours, juggling different issues and goals and guiding us to the best actions. Practical wisdom certainly needs both knowledge and reasoning but also mature judgement. Aristotle would have been astounded at our persistent attempts to navigate our actions in a complex world by using algorithms, whether NICE guidelines or administrative protocols. Phronesis puts reflective and mature human judgment, not rules, bang in the middle of all complex decisions. Therefore making the best judgment in a complex situation does not rely on having the best algorithm but on being the best person. Best in the sense of one who is skilled, who has trained themselves by reflection on experience, and also by integrity … ER -