问答题 It is not enough to know what is right and what is wrong. One must also be able to apply this knowledge to actual, concrete situation. For that, the virtue of prudence is essential. St. Thomas Aquinas referred to prudence as the "rudder virtue", the one that "steers" the others. Without it, we are like someone adrift in a boat, tossed in this direction or that by the wind, the waves, and the current. Unfortunately, the virtue of prudence has too often been confused with caution. Thus, the "prudent" person is one who never "rocks the boat" and is especially careful to avoid offending those who are in position to advance their interests — or to thwart them. The word that actually comes closest to functioning as a synonym for prudence is "discernment". The prudent person is one who "size" up a situation and decide, or discern, what is the wisest and most moral course of action to take. Accordingly, prudence doesn't answer the question, "What is the right thing in principle to do?" Rather, "What is the right thing for me(or for us)to do in this situation?" The prudent person fully examines a situation and seeks advice from others. Reaching out to others for counsel before acting is one of the classic marks of a prudent person. A judgment is made in the light of this examination and advice, and then a decision is made.