How can we Measure Wisdom?

In this episode, I speak with Igor Grossmann, a professor of psychology, and renowned researcher in the field of wisdom. Prof. Grossmann directs the Wisdom and Culture Lab at the University of Waterloo, where he investigates the factors that contribute to wise reasoning. He is also the co-host of the On Wisdom podcast. His work has significantly advanced our understanding of how wisdom can be fostered and applied in everyday life.

Highlights

• What is wisdom?

  • Is wisdom more like a static trait or a dynamic process?

  • How does wisdom make use of abstract versus concrete thinking?

  • What’s the role of intellectual humility in wisdom?

  • Can you explain what’s meant by open-mindedness, perspective-taking, and compromise-seeking?  

• How does distanced (third-person) reflection help us to exercise wisdom?

• What potential insights could psychotherapists glean from your work?  

  • How does wisdom-based thinking about problems differ from unhealthy forms of thinking about problems such as depressive rumination or anxious worrying?

  • Are there ways that research on wisdom can help us to cope with problems such as anxiety or depression?

• Are you aware of any links between your research on wisdom and what ancient philosophers have said about wisdom?

• What’s the relationship between wisdom and inter-group hostility or antisocial attitudes?  

• Does wisdom lead to co-operation and prosocial attitudes?

Links

• The Wise Mind Balances the Abstract and the Concrete

• Explaining contentious political issues promotes open-minded thinking - ScienceDirect

• Igor Grossmann

• On Wisdom Podcast