"The only true wisdom is knowing you know nothing" -Socrates
The Importance of Wisdom in Positive Psychology
Positive psychology strives to define optimal human functioning. This includes understanding what makes people happy and able to live a good life. From Aristotelian age to now, experts have stated that wisdom is connected to a life well lived. Peterson and Seligman defined wisdom as one of six virtues that help people flourish. Wisdom is also one of the main virtues tested in the VIA Character Strengths Survey. Wise people are able to have a philosophic understanding about what matters in life, and can understand the importance of balancing their needs with others' needs. Because wisdom allows people to think beyond their own individual satisfaction, it is often connected with eudaimonic happiness.
Positive psychology strives to define optimal human functioning. This includes understanding what makes people happy and able to live a good life. From Aristotelian age to now, experts have stated that wisdom is connected to a life well lived. Peterson and Seligman defined wisdom as one of six virtues that help people flourish. Wisdom is also one of the main virtues tested in the VIA Character Strengths Survey. Wise people are able to have a philosophic understanding about what matters in life, and can understand the importance of balancing their needs with others' needs. Because wisdom allows people to think beyond their own individual satisfaction, it is often connected with eudaimonic happiness.
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What is wisdom?
Baltes defines wisdom as expert knowledge concerning the Fundamental Pragmatics of Life. |
How can wisdom be assessed?
Baltes' and colleagues' Berlin Wisdom Model attempts to quantitatively measure subjects' wisdom-related knowledge. |
Other Theories
Baltes' and colleagues' Berlin Wisdom Model attempts to quantify an elusive character strength that is commonly understood on an implicit level. While his work is commended by many psychologists, Baltes notes that his theory should be viewed as a starting point in the study of wisdom, and should not go unquestioned. Sternberg's Balance Theory has a different view on how wisdom should be defined and measured.
Baltes' and colleagues' Berlin Wisdom Model attempts to quantify an elusive character strength that is commonly understood on an implicit level. While his work is commended by many psychologists, Baltes notes that his theory should be viewed as a starting point in the study of wisdom, and should not go unquestioned. Sternberg's Balance Theory has a different view on how wisdom should be defined and measured.
