Collective Phronesis (‘Wisdom of the Multitude’) as a Philosophical Tool for the Analysis of the British Community Power Movement

Abstract

This article explores the relationship between Aristotle’s concept of collective phronesis and the British community power movement, arguing that Aristotelian virtue ethics offers a valuable framework for understanding community-led regeneration. Drawing on Kristján Kristjánsson’s interpretation of Aristotle’s Politics, it identifies four dimensions of collective practical wisdom—shared purpose, contextual sensitivity, emotional regulation, and collective prioritisation—and applies them to the analysis of community power. Three case studies from disadvantaged British communities illustrate how participatory deliberation enables residents to identify common priorities, strengthen social cohesion, and implement effective local initiatives. The article argues that these practices exemplify Aristotle’s “wisdom of the multitude”, showing how collective agency can promote both democratic participation and the pursuit of the common good in contemporary local governance.