Finding Aristotle on the frontline : phronesis and social work

Whitaker, EM ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1370-1071 2014, 'Finding Aristotle on the frontline : phronesis and social work' , in: Social Policy Review 26 Analysis and Debate in Social Policy 2014 , Social Policy Review, 26 (26) , Policy Press, Bristol, pp. 181-200.

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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.

Item Type:	Book Section
Editors:	Farnsworth, K, Irving, Z and Fenger, M
Schools:	Schools > School of Health and Society > Centre for Applied Research in Health, Welfare and Policy
Publisher:	Policy Press
Series Name:	Social Policy Review
ISBN:	9781447315568
Related URLs:	Publisher
Depositing User:	EM Whitaker
Date Deposited:	12 Feb 2020 10:27
Last Modified:	16 Feb 2022 04:01
URI:	https://usir.salford.ac.uk/id/eprint/56425

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