Spring 2009 Wisdom Course Supplemental Notes
From Alfino
Return to Wisdom
I'll use this page for supplemental notes from the class. -Alfino
Jan 13: Introduction
Early Questions:
1. What are the characteristics of wise people?
- empathetic, knowledge, virtuous, innovative, realistic, cautious, accepting experience
- age/experience, "street smart" (as opposed to book smart), personality and charisma, serenity
- abstract thinking, simple lifestyle, moral transc., discipline
- insightful, open-minded, humble, developed capacity for self-reflection
- sacrifice, experience, age, character, education (formal/informal), well-spoken, just, awareness of world / others.
- unconventional
- application of knowledge, rational, open minded, looking at the bigger picture, reflective.
2. Give examples of wise people in your life. Describe them.
3. Wisdom illusory or real?
- maybe real, but the subjectivity of wisdom literature is a problem.
- can't identify it with specific emotion like happiness.
- recognizable in others.
4. Give a preliminary definition of wisdom.
- Practicing one's knowledge.
- Wisdom is like other things that look simple, but are really complex.
- Good judgement and advice about important but uncertain matters.
- Expert knowledge system in the domain, fundamental life pragmatics.
