Abstract
Contemporary research on wisdom consists of several approaches, inherited from diverse philosophical, religious, and contemplative contributions. This article therefore introduces integral theory to provide an encompassing conceptual framework that can compare approaches and integrate them into a larger picture. Among other things, this facilitates the overdue integration into wisdom research of cross-cultural and contemplative perspectives that offer rich reservoirs of information about wisdom as well as disciplines to cultivate it. Contemplative traditions also point to a further kind of wisdom—a transconceptual seeing into the nature of self and reality—that needs to be included in an expanded category system of the varieties of wisdom.
Highlights
OBJECTIVEIntegral theory suggests that aspects and expressions of wisdom are found in all four quadrants
Lower states of reduced function Functionally specific states in which some capacities are enhanced and others reduced Higher states that retain usual abilities while including heightened or additional capacities
We can retain the category of phronesis or practical wisdom for
Summary
Integral theory suggests that aspects and expressions of wisdom are found in all four quadrants. Wilber and contemplative disciplines suggest that many developmental lines can mature further into transconventional levels. Researchers have suggested several kinds of relations between wisdom and the developmental levels of specific lines. Three kinds of interaction are frequently mentioned—combination, balance, and integration— none has been specified precisely These theories suggest that wisdom emerges from a combination of capacities. She may well learn how to achieve her goals more effectively and thereby grow in practical wisdom This case example suggests two possible ways in which capacities might become integrated and thereby foster practical wisdom. The absence of psychodynamics from discussions of wisdom research seems to be a major oversight, because of their power and pervasiveness as well as because ordinary defenses and higher level metadefenses can inhibit exceptional functioning (Maslow, 1970), likely including wisdom
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