wisdom

                                                          WISDOM

WISDOM: A DESIRABLE END STATE OF DEVELOPMENT

What is wisdom? In the traditions of philosophy and cultural anthropology, and at a high level of abstraction, one of the most general definitions of wisdom is that it characterizes the convergence of means and ends for the highest personal and common good (P. B. Baltes & Staudinger, 2000; Kekes, 1995). In this sense, and when approached with the methods
of psychology, in our own work we conceptualize wisdom as an expert knowledge system about the fundamental pragmatics of life, including knowledge and judgment about the conduct, purpose, and meaning of life (P. B. Baltes & Smith, 1990; Smith & Baltes, 1990; Staudinger & Baltes, 1996). The following seven general criteria of the Berlin wisdom model are based on cultural-historical and philosophical accounts of wisdom:

1. Wisdom addresses important and difficult questions and strategies about the conduct and meaning       of life.
2. Wisdom includes knowledge about the limits of knowledge and the uncertainties of the world.
3. Wisdom represents a truly superior level of knowledge, judgment, and advice.
4. Wisdom constitutes knowledge with extraordinary scope, depth, measure, and balance.
5. Wisdom involves a perfect synergy of mind and character, that is, an orchestration of knowledge          and virtues.
6. Wisdom represents knowledge used for the good or well-being of oneself and that of others.
7. Wisdom, though difficult to achieve and to specify, is easily recognized when manifested.