In handling contingencies that do not yield to categorical answers, Aristotle argues, deliberation grounded in a general purpose becomes necessary so that reason can be exercised in a way that effectively and correctly resolves particular problems. This article explores how Aristotelian prudence adjusted to constitutional conditions can serve as a normative guide not only in resolving ethical dilemmas but in molding administrative judgment. This modified consideration of Aristotelian thinking requires administrators to rely on regime values and principles as aims in making choices that are often in direct conflict with those of other parties. The deliberation of what these values and principles mean in practice requires that administrators have a sense of both the general and the particular. The ability to tap into these considerations defines a balanced administrator who is able to prudently make quality choices.