Definition
The ability to unite knowledge, experience, discernment and concern for good to guide action in complex situations.
Wisdom is not confused with age or scholarship, but rather with the quality of judgment, with attention to consequences and the ability to revise its position.
To be retained
- Linking knowledge and leadership
- Taking into account the context
- Support Uncertainty
- Staying Revisable
Origin of the term and context
Wisdom translates different terms: sophia and phronsis in Greek,
Why does it matter?
Psychology studies certain traits associated with wisdom, such as perspective and uncertainty management. No scale fully captures such a cultural and normative notion.
- Linking knowledge and leadership
- Taking into account the context
- Support Uncertainty
- Staying Revisable
How can it be explored or practised?
- Asking for what is missing from your understanding
- Consult with a person affected by the decision
- Imagine the long-term effects
- Formulate what might make you change your mind
Misconceptions and points of caution
- A self-proclaimed master is not necessarily wise.
- Seniority does not guarantee discernment.
- Wisdom is not a total certainty.
Perspectives from different traditions
- Aristotle: phronsis, caution in action.
- Buddhism: prajñā, liberating understanding.
- Bible Traditions: Wisdom Related to Justice and God's Fear.
To go further
- Ethics in Nicomaque — Aristotle
- The Heart Sūtra
- The Bible's sapiential books