The Thomistic Institute

What is Wisdom and Why Do We Need It? I Fr. Irenaeus Dunlevy, O.P.

Sep 17, 2025
Fr. Irenaeus Dunlevy, a Coordinator for Campus Outreach at the Thomistic Institute, dives into the profound concept of wisdom. He explains its connection to human flourishing and divine truth, emphasizing that true wisdom transcends just technical knowledge. The discussion covers the critical role wisdom plays in modern society, ethical leadership, and the balance between practical and speculative intellect. Fr. Dunlevy highlights the importance of theological and mystical wisdom, and how these insights guide us in understanding God and our existence.
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INSIGHT

Gaudium Et Spes: Wisdom Is Urgent

  • Gaudium et spes warns modernity: human progress without wisdom endangers the world's future.
  • Wisdom perfects the intellect and lets us pass from visible realities to the unseen.
INSIGHT

Speculative Intellect Reaches Beyond Data

  • Human knowledge divides into sense, practical, and speculative intellects with different aims.
  • The speculative intellect pursues contemplation and can attain reality itself beyond mere data.
ADVICE

Judge Technology In Light Of The Common Good

  • Judge new technologies with wisdom to protect human dignity and the common good.
  • Evaluate reproductive tech, AI, and gene editing for moral and societal consequences before embracing them.
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