Ch. 9- Wisdom and Courage: Characteristics of the Wise and the Brave

Life-span contextualism

A component of the Berlin wisdom paradigm that requires understanding a problem in terms of its context. These contexts can be aspects of life, such as love, work, and play, as well as cultural and temporal contexts (time and place in society)

Managing uncertainty

A component of the Berlin wisdom paradigm. Using this skill means understanding that any problem solving strategy or solution involves limitations and requires decision making flexibility.

Relativism of Values

A component of the Berlin wisdom paradigm; involves understanding that values and priorities are different across people, societies, and time. The value of any idea may vary depending on the context in which it is presented.

Valor

A dimension of courage in the Values in Action classification system. It involves taking a physical, emotional, or intellectual stance in the face of danger or fear.

Enthusiasm/ Zest

A dimension of courage in the Values in Action classification system. It involves thriving, or having motivation, in challenging situations or tasks

Authenticity

A dimension of courage in the Values of Action classification system. Authenticity involves acknowledging and representing one's true self, values, beliefs, and behaviors to oneself and others

Industry/ Perseverance

A dimension of courage in the Values of Action classification system. It involves undertaking tasks or having initiative and determination to start and complete challenges.

Civil courage

Described by Greitemeyer, Osswald, Fischer, and Frey (2007) as "brave behavior accompanied by anger and indignation that intends to enforce societal and ethical norms without considering one's own social costs"

Psychological courage

Described by Putman (1997) as a form of vital courage that involves the strength to acknowledge and face personal weaknesses, destructive habits, or threats to one's own psychological stability

Explicit theories

Explicit theories examine the externally visible aspects of a construct. For example, in the study of wisdom, explicit theories examine behaviors throught to demonstrate wisdom, such a s problem- solving ability. These theories focus on the observable characteristics of a construct.

Berlin wisdom paradigm

A theory developed by Baltes et al. suggesting that wisdom requires knowledge and insight into the self and others within a cultural context and is "the ways and means of planning, managing, and understanding a good life" The paradigm addresses life-span contextualism, relativism of values, and managing uncertainty.

Balance theory of wisdom

A theory developed by Sternberg (1998) that specifies the processes used to balance personal interests with environmental context to achieve a common good. The processes involve using tacit knowledge and personal values to form a judgment of or resolution for competing interests

Vital courage

Part of O'Byrne, Lopez, and Petersen's (2000) classification of courage, formerly health/ change courage; a person's persistence and perseverance through a disease, illness or disability despite an uncertain outcome.

Physical courage

Part of O'Byrne, Lopez, and Petersen's (2000) classification of courage; an attempted physical behavior or action that seeks to uphold the values of a society or the common good.

Moral courage

Part of O'Byrne, Lopez, and Peterson's (2000) classification of courage; the authentic expression of one's beliefs or values in pursuit of justice or the common good despite power differentials, dissent, disapproval, or rejection

Phasic

Pertaining to a nonenduring characteristic, a quality that is subject to change depending on the situation, context, or when it is needed.

Tonic

Pertaining to an enduring characteristic or trait-like quality.

Dialectical Operations

The use of logical argumentation, discussion, and reasoning as a method of intellectual investigation. Dialectical thinking involves examining and resolving opposing or contradictory ideas and integrating subjective information, motivation and life experiences

Implicit theories

Theories that examine the nature or essence of a construct, such as courage, that cannot be directly seen or revealed. Implicit theories or "folk theories" seek to explain through describing characteristics, qualities, and/or dimensions of the desired challenges