University of Chicago Center for Practical Wisdom

Wisdom was once regarded as a subject worthy of rigorous scholarly inquiry in order to understand its nature and benefits; however until recently wisdom has been relatively overlooked as a topic for serious scholarly and scientific investigation. It is difficult to imagine a subject more central to the highest aspirations of being human.  The study of wisdom holds great promise for shedding light on and opening up new insights for human flourishing.

Led by University of Chicago faculty, in collaboration with scientists at other institutions, we investigate big questions in the field that have the greatest potential of influencing research, education, policy and professions: What is the relationship between expertise and wisdom? How does experience increase wisdom? What is the relationship between cognitive, social and emotional processes in mediating wisdom?

Channel courtesy of Howard Nusbaum, PhD