What is Wisdom and how to seek and gain it:
Wisdom is an outcome or result attained through the wizening process. Accumulated knowledge that is derived from information stockpile (stockpile of recorded databases, information, and knowledge accumulated over time), is synthesized, applied, reflected on and tested through long experience to transcended existing knowledge. We consider knowledge as knowing HOW while Wisdom as knowing WHY. The answer to the why enquiry often leads to improvement (innovation) or totally new and novel ideas, things or ways of doing things (invention).
Theories and Models of Wisdom in Different Disciplines:
Different disciplines may have different views on what goes into creating wisdom, the processes involved, and the results of the wizening process. Here are some examples of how different disciplines may view the wizening process and the outcome which is wisdom:
Wisdom Theories in Different Disciplines:
Here is a summary of some theories of how wisdom is created or generated in various fields:
1. Philosophy:
In philosophy, wisdom is often associated with the ability to reflect on and understand the deeper meaning of life and existence. Philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato believed that wisdom is the result of a lifelong process of learning and reflection, and that it can be developed through practice and cultivation of virtues such as courage, compassion, and justice.
Wisdom is often associated with knowledge and understanding, as well as the ability to make sound judgments and decisions. Philosophers may view wisdom as the product of a lifelong process of learning, reflection, and experience, and may emphasize the importance of critical thinking, self-awareness, and moral reasoning.
2. Psychology:
In psychology, wisdom is often defined as the integration of knowledge, experience, and insight. The Berlin Wisdom Paradigm, proposed by Baltes and colleagues, suggests that wisdom is made up of several key components, including cognitive, reflective, and affective elements. According to this paradigm, wisdom is generated through a combination of life experiences, cognitive development, and reflective thinking.
In psychology, wisdom is also viewed as a complex combination of cognitive and emotional intelligence, as well as a deep understanding of human behavior and development. Psychologists may view wisdom as the product of a process of life experience, introspection, and cognitive and emotional regulation, and may emphasize the importance of self-reflection, empathy, and perspective-taking.
3. Nursing and healthcare:
In nursing and healthcare, wisdom is often associated with the ability to provide compassionate and effective care to patients. Nurses and other healthcare professionals can develop wisdom through ongoing education and training, as well as through the experience of caring for patients over time. Wisdom in this context is often seen as the ability to integrate scientific knowledge with practical experience and empathy for the patient.
4. Political science:
In political science, wisdom is often associated with the ability to make effective and ethical decisions in complex political environments. According to some political theorists, wisdom can be developed through experience, reflection, and engagement with diverse perspectives and values.
Political scientists may view wisdom as the ability to make sound and ethical decisions that promote the public good, while also considering the realities of power and influence. For example, political scientists may study the wisdom of political leaders in making decisions related to foreign policy, economic development, or social welfare.
5. Education:
In the field of education, wisdom is often associated with the ability to apply knowledge and skills in practical and ethical ways. Some educators have proposed that wisdom can be cultivated through a focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and the development of emotional intelligence.
In education, wisdom may be viewed as the ultimate goal of learning, and may be associated with the ability to apply knowledge and skills to real-world problems and challenges. Educators may emphasize the importance of experiential learning, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving in developing wisdom.
6. Economics:
In economics, wisdom is often associated with the ability to make informed and ethical decisions that benefit both individuals and society as a whole. Economic theories of wisdom emphasize the importance of social networks, knowledge sharing, and ethical decision-making in creating sustainable and just economic systems.
In the economic field, there are a few different theories of wisdom that have been proposed. One prominent theory is the “knowledge economy” theory, which posits that in a rapidly changing, information-based economy, wisdom can be seen as the ability to process and integrate large amounts of information in order to make effective decisions.
Another economic theory of wisdom is the “social capital” theory, which emphasizes the importance of social networks and relationships in creating and sharing knowledge and expertise. According to this theory, wisdom can be seen as the ability to build and maintain strong social networks that allow for the effective sharing of knowledge and resources.
Finally, some economic theorists have proposed the idea of “wise markets,” which are characterized by decentralized decision-making processes and a focus on long-term sustainability and social responsibility. In this context, wisdom can be seen as the ability to make informed, ethical decisions that benefit both individuals and society as a whole.
Overall, these economic theories of wisdom suggest that wisdom can be a valuable asset in a variety of economic contexts, and that it is closely tied to the ability to effectively process information, build strong social networks, and make ethical and sustainable decisions.
7. Neuroscience:
In neuroscience, wisdom is often associated with the ability to integrate and apply knowledge from different areas of the brain, including the prefrontal cortex and limbic system. Some researchers suggest that wisdom can be enhanced through practices such as meditation, which can help to increase connectivity and coordination between different brain regions.
In neuroscience, wisdom is often associated with the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for executive functions such as planning, decision-making, and problem-solving. Neuroscientists may view wisdom as the product of a process of cognitive development and brain plasticity, and may emphasize the importance of intellectual curiosity, open-mindedness, and mental flexibility.
8. Computer systems or IT:
In the field of computer systems and IT, wisdom is often associated with the ability to design and implement ethical and effective technology solutions. IT professionals can develop wisdom through ongoing education and training, as well as through experience and reflection on the impact of technology on individuals and society as a whole.
9. Sociology:
Sociologists may view wisdom as a characteristic of social structures and systems, rather than individuals. They may study how wisdom is transmitted across generations, or how it is embedded in cultural and social practices. Sociologists may also explore the relationship between wisdom and social change, examining how societal progress is influenced by the collective wisdom of communities and institutions.
Overall, these different fields offer a variety of perspectives on how wisdom is created or generated, emphasizing the importance of knowledge, experience, reflection, and ethical decision-making in cultivating wisdom in individuals and society.
In terms of the process involved in creating wisdom, different disciplines may emphasize different aspects, such as learning, experience, reflection, and critical thinking. The results of wisdom may also vary depending on the discipline, but may include a deeper understanding of oneself and the world, the ability to make sound judgments and decisions, and the capacity to contribute to the greater good of society.
Wisdom Models in different Disciplines:
While wisdom is a complex and multifaceted concept, there are a few models and frameworks that have been developed to help explain and understand it. Here are brief descriptions of each model, along with some examples:
1. Philosophy:
The Four-Component Model of Wisdom – This model, developed by Baltes and colleagues, proposes that wisdom consists of four components: cognitive, reflective, affective, and prosocial. The cognitive component involves the ability to reason and make sound judgments; the reflective component involves introspection and self-awareness; the affective component involves emotional regulation and empathy; and the prosocial component involves a commitment to social justice and serving the common good.
2. Psychology:
The Dual-Aspect Theory of Wisdom – This model, developed by Sternberg and colleagues, suggests that wisdom involves both cognitive and affective processes. For example, intellectual humility and open-mindedness are important cognitive aspects of wisdom, while emotional regulation and empathy are important affective aspects of wisdom.
Berlin Wisdom Paradigm: The Berlin Wisdom Paradigm is a model of wisdom developed by a group of psychologists in Berlin, Germany. This model defines wisdom as consisting of five components: cognitive (e.g., knowledge and understanding), reflective (e.g., introspection and self-awareness), affective (e.g., empathy and compassion), motivational (e.g., value orientation and goal pursuit), and lifespan contextualism (e.g., understanding of the larger historical and cultural context).
Sternberg’s Balance Theory of Wisdom: This model, developed by psychologist Robert Sternberg, defines wisdom as a balance between intrapersonal (self-focused) and interpersonal (other-focused) interests, and between analytical (abstract and objective) and creative (novel and subjective) thinking styles.
3. Sociology:
The Life Course Model of Wisdom – This model suggests that wisdom is not a fixed trait, but rather develops and changes over the course of an individual’s life. For example, wisdom may be influenced by different social and cultural contexts, and may involve different priorities and concerns at different stages of life.
Cultural Models of Wisdom: Cultural models of wisdom refer to the specific beliefs, values, and practices related to wisdom in different cultural contexts. For example, traditional Chinese culture has emphasized the importance of interpersonal harmony, respect for authority, and balance between yin and yang as key components of wisdom.
4. Nursing and Healthcare:
The Wisdom in Action model – This model emphasizes the practical application of wisdom in clinical settings. For example, a healthcare provider may use wisdom to make ethical decisions about patient care, or to provide compassionate and effective care to patients and their families.
The Benner Model of Clinical Wisdom: This model, developed by nursing scholar Patricia Benner, proposes that clinical wisdom in nursing is gained through a combination of experience, knowledge, critical thinking, and intuition. Benner’s model emphasizes the importance of experiential learning and the development of clinical judgment in nursing practice.
The Carper Model of Nursing Knowledge: This model, developed by nursing scholar Barbara Carper, identifies four ways of knowing in nursing: empirical (scientific knowledge), personal (experiential knowledge), ethical (moral knowledge), and aesthetic (artistic knowledge). The Carper model recognizes the importance of diverse forms of knowledge in nursing practice, including subjective and experiential knowledge.
The Swanson Theory of Caring: This theory, developed by nursing scholar Kristen Swanson, proposes that caring is a central element of nursing practice and involves five components: knowing, being with, doing for, enabling, and maintaining belief. Swanson’s theory emphasizes the importance of empathy, compassion, and interpersonal relationships in nursing practice.
The Wisdom in Nursing Practice Model: This model, developed by nursing scholars Pamela Reed and Meredith Wallace Kazer, proposes that wisdom in nursing practice is a combination of cognitive, emotional, and spiritual intelligence. The model emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, critical reflection, and ethical decision-making in nursing practice.
These models and frameworks reflect the unique perspective of nursing and healthcare as a discipline, emphasizing the importance of experiential learning, diverse forms of knowledge, caring, and ethical decision-making in nursing practice.
5. Neuroscience:
The Anterior Temporal Lobe model of Wisdom – This model suggests that the anterior temporal lobe plays a key role in processing social and emotional information that is relevant to wise behavior. For example, studies have shown that damage to the anterior temporal lobe can impair an individual’s ability to make wise judgments in social situations.
The Three-Dimensional Wisdom Scale (3D-WS): This model was developed by Monika Ardelt and proposes that wisdom is composed of three dimensions: cognitive, reflective, and compassionate. The cognitive dimension refers to knowledge and intellectual skills, the reflective dimension involves introspection and self-awareness, and the compassionate dimension relates to empathy and social skills.
6. Political Science:
The Moral Exemplar model – This model emphasizes the importance of studying individuals who exhibit exceptional moral behavior and leadership as a means of understanding and cultivating wisdom in political contexts. For example, a political leader who demonstrates ethical decision-making and compassionate leadership may serve as a role model for others to emulate.
The Aristotelian Model: This model, derived from the works of the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, defines wisdom as a combination of intellectual virtues, such as prudence and judgment, and moral virtues, such as courage and justice. It suggests that the development of wisdom requires a lifelong pursuit of knowledge, self-reflection, and moral growth.
The Deliberative Model: This model, proposed by political theorist James Fishkin, suggests that wisdom can be achieved through democratic deliberation. It argues that the process of deliberation, which involves listening to and engaging with diverse perspectives, can lead to the development of a collective wisdom that is superior to any individual’s knowledge or opinion.
The Complexity Model: This model, proposed by political scientist David Collier, suggests that wisdom requires the ability to understand and navigate complex systems. It argues that the world is full of complex, interdependent systems, and that the ability to see and understand these systems is crucial to wise decision-making.
The Strategic Wisdom Model: This model, proposed by political scientists Peter Feaver and Sue Wasiolek, suggests that wisdom involves the ability to think strategically and make decisions in uncertain and unpredictable environments. It argues that the development of strategic wisdom requires a combination of experience, knowledge, and the ability to balance competing interests and goals.
These models, as well as others in political science, each provide a unique framework for understanding the nature of wisdom in the context of politics and decision-making.
7. Economics:
The Capabilities Approach – This model emphasizes the importance of expanding individuals’ capabilities and opportunities as a means of enhancing well-being and human flourishing. For example, policies that promote education, healthcare, and economic opportunities can help individuals to develop their capabilities and achieve their goals.
Arrows’ Learning by Doing model: Emphasizes the importance of experience and learning in the process of innovation. The model suggests that firms can increase their productivity and generate new knowledge by investing in training and education, and by engaging in trial-and-error learning through experimentation. This process of learning by doing can lead to the development of new technologies, products, and processes that can ultimately lead to greater economic growth and societal benefits.
Porter’s Diamond Model: Emphasizes the role of national competitive advantage in promoting innovation and economic growth. This model suggests that certain factors, such as a skilled workforce, strong research institutions, and a supportive business environment, can contribute to the development of new knowledge and innovation within a country. By leveraging these factors, firms can gain a competitive advantage and generate new knowledge and technologies that can lead to economic growth and societal benefits.
Pavitt’s Taxonomy of Innovative Activities: Suggests that different types of innovation have different impacts on economic growth and societal benefits. The model suggests that some types of innovation, such as incremental improvements to existing technologies or products, may have limited impacts on economic growth and societal benefits. Other types of innovation, such as radical breakthroughs or the development of entirely new technologies or products, may have greater impacts on economic growth and societal benefits. By understanding the different types of innovation and their impacts, policymakers and firms can make strategic decisions to promote the types of innovation that are most likely to lead to wisdom generation and societal benefits.
Overall, while these economic models do not explicitly reference wisdom, they suggest that the process of innovation and knowledge creation can lead to economic growth and societal benefits, which can be seen as a form of wisdom generation.
8. Computer Science:
The Agent-Based Model of Wisdom – This model uses computational models to simulate the development and spread of wisdom within social networks. For example, a computer simulation might model the way in which individuals exchange information and develop more nuanced and sophisticated views on complex issues over time.
The Data Information Knowledge Wisdom (DIKW) pyramid: is a model that is commonly used in computer science and information management to describe the relationship between data, information, knowledge, and wisdom. This model suggests that data is the raw material that is collected and processed, while information is the data that has been organized, interpreted, and given meaning. Knowledge is the information that has been analyzed, synthesized, and understood, while wisdom is the application of knowledge to make decisions and solve complex problems.
Polanyi’s Tacit Knowledge modelAnother computer science model that relates to wisdom is the Polanyi’s Tacit Knowledge model. This model suggests that there are two types of knowledge: explicit knowledge and tacit knowledge. Explicit knowledge is knowledge that can be written down and easily transferred, while tacit knowledge is knowledge that is difficult to articulate or express, and is often gained through experience. According to Polanyi, wisdom comes from the integration of explicit and tacit knowledge, allowing individuals to make sound judgments and decisions based on their experience and understanding of a given situation.
The SECI model (Socialization, Externalization, Combination, and Internalization) is another model used in computer science that describes the process of knowledge creation and conversion within an organization. This model suggests that knowledge is created through a process of socialization (sharing tacit knowledge), externalization (converting tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge), combination (combining explicit knowledge to create new knowledge), and internalization (integrating new knowledge into existing tacit knowledge). This model suggests that wisdom is created when individuals are able to internalize and apply new knowledge to solve complex problems.
Overall, these computer science models suggest that wisdom is closely related to the process of knowledge creation, integration, and application, and that it is achieved through the combination of both explicit and tacit knowledge.
9. Education:
The Reflective Judgment model – This model suggests that wisdom is related to the ability to think critically and reflectively about complex and ambiguous problems. For example, an individual who is able to consider multiple perspectives on a complex issue and weigh the pros and cons of different options may be considered wise.
The Wise School Model: This model, developed by educational psychologist Robert Sternberg, proposes that wisdom can be taught in schools by integrating a set of core competencies into the curriculum. These competencies include critical thinking, creativity, practical intelligence, ethical reasoning, and leadership.
The Four-Component Model of Wisdom: This model, also developed by Robert Sternberg, proposes that wisdom is a combination of four components: cognitive, reflective, compassionate, and intellectual humility. This model emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and empathy in developing wisdom.
The Education for Wisdom Model: This model, developed by educational philosopher Jerome S. Bruner, proposes that wisdom can be cultivated through a process of inquiry and reflection. This model emphasizes the importance of intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and moral reflection in education.
The Transcendence and Wisdom Model: This model, developed by educational psychologists Monika Ardelt and Sherry L. Willis, proposes that wisdom is a product of transcending oneself and one’s experiences. This model emphasizes the importance of reflection, purpose, and empathy in developing wisdom.
It’s important to note that the concept of wisdom is highly subjective and can vary depending on cultural, historical, and individual factors. These models are simply one way of approaching the complex concept of wisdom and are not universally applicable to all situations or individuals.
In the context of nursing and healthcare, there are several models and frameworks that have been developed to help explain and understand wisdom. Here are a few examples:
In both fields, wisdom is often seen as a complex and multifaceted concept, and is studied through a variety of theoretical frameworks and research methodologies. Political scientists and sociologists may also draw on insights from other disciplines, such as philosophy and psychology, to better understand the nature of wisdom and its role in decision-making and leadership.
In the field of education, empirical models of wisdom may focus on the ways in which knowledge, skills, and experiences contribute to the development of wisdom among students and educators. Here are a few examples of empirical models of wisdom in education:
These models reflect the growing interest in teaching and cultivating wisdom in educational settings, and emphasize the importance of integrating diverse forms of knowledge and skills into the curriculum. They also highlight the role of reflection, empathy, and ethical reasoning in the development of wisdom among students and educators.
In summary, wisdom is a complex and multifaceted concept that has been studied in various fields of study, including philosophy, psychology, education, nursing and healthcare, political science, sociology, and economics.
Theories of wisdom in these fields vary, but generally emphasize the importance of integrating knowledge, skills, and experiences, as well as reflection, empathy, and ethical reasoning, in the development of wisdom. Models of wisdom range from the Four-Component Model, the Wise School Model, and the Transcendence and Wisdom Model to the Record-to-Wisdom Cycle and the Wizening Cycles.
Overall, these theories and models suggest that wisdom is not only an individual characteristic, but also a product of social, cultural, and historical contexts. They also suggest that wisdom is a dynamic and ongoing process that involves both synthesis and reflection on existing knowledge, as well as the generation of new and innovative ideas and insights.
In conclusion, while there is no one single theory or model that fully captures the complexity of wisdom, the interdisciplinary nature of its study highlights its significance and potential impact in many different areas of life.
Describing Wisdom and wizening process:
According to Britannica Dictionary, wisdom is a) knowledge that is gained by having many experiences in life b) the natural ability to understand things that most other people cannot understand c) knowledge of what is proper or reasonable d) good sense or judgment. (Source: The Britannica Dictionary, Wisdom Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary.) In summary, wisdom is a natural superior ability to combines knowledge and experience into good sense and judgement.
One area that is often associated with wisdom is the religious scripters. Here is one quote from the bible that sheds light on wisdom: “It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. 11 And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, 12 behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you.” (Source: Bible Quote 1 Kings 3: 8-13, The True Meaning of Wisdom – What It Is and How to Get It (biblestudytools.com)
Considerations to Gain Wisdom
We can infer from the above bible quote that there are three important consideration to gain wisdom.
1) Asking or Seeking Wisdom: wisdom is gained by those who ask for it. Especially to those who ask why. This is true in the sense that wisdom is a return to an inquisition EFFORT.
2) Discerning What is Right: Another consideration is developing an understanding and judgment (discern what is right). Synthesizing, applying and reflecting on different set of knowledge can enhances judgment. In effect, wizening is going above and beyond existing knowledge that can result in new and novel ideas and things (invention) and improve an existing idea or things (innovation). Hence, discerning what is right is an asset.
3) Differentiating Way of Thinking: The third and final consideration is a “discerning mind”. Until replaced by machine and Artificial Wisdom, mind plays an important role in the recording to wizening cyclical model. The cyclical trajectory of the Recording to Wizening model underscores that wizening creates deep and discerning way of understanding to facilitate invention and innovation. Here is the value proposition that builds the discerning way of thinking along the way at different stages of the transformative process:
Recording: stores value==>databasing: uncover meaning==>Informing: show pattern/trend==>Knowing: gain understanding==>Wizening: discover new and novel (invention), and improvements (innovation).
Wizening cycle
As we did with knowledge, it is useful to distinguish between Wizening as a process and Wisdom as an end product of the wizening process. While the bi-product of wizening, i.e. wisdom reaches the apex of the pyramid as presented in most DIKW pyramid model, Wizening as process continues to enrich the recording and other intermediate record to wizening processes. Hence, we suggest that it is important to recognize the two aspects of wizening and wisdom and accordingly consider the significance of the two inter-related, however, distinct phenomena.
Knowing why or wisdom is important in Recording or data collection process. A recent study looked into the quality of data in relation to data: custodians, consumers, and collectors. The study found “data custodian’s knowing-why is not significantly associated with achieving high data quality. Data consumer’s knowing-why is highly associated with selected dimensions of data quality. Instead, we find that data collector’s knowing-why is the most critical prerequisite for high data quality across data production processes. Data collector’s knowing-why is more highly associated with high data quality than that of data consumers. This critical role of data collectors should be recognized and exploited in organizations (Lee and Strong, page 30, 02 lee (mit.edu))
Hence, we propose that knowing why circles back to Recording and other processes and this is the best way to continue to have better information stockpile to fish from.
Conceptual relationship between wisdom and Invention:
Aside from the emotional and creative aspect, wisdom is directly related to invention as a product of the processed knowledge
this is a valid way to conceptualize the relationship between wisdom and invention. Invention can be viewed as the product of a process that involves synthesizing, applying, and reflecting on existing and new knowledge. This process requires a deep understanding of the problem to be solved, as well as the knowledge and skills needed to develop a solution.