Parker's Pensées
Ep. 206 - What is Wisdom and How Do We Get it? | w/Dr. C. Stephen Evans
Nov 14, 2022
Dr. C. Stephen Evans, a professor of philosophy at Baylor University, dives into the intricate nature of wisdom, contrasting it with mere cleverness. He critiques contemporary philosophy's neglect of this essential concept while drawing on insights from Kierkegaard and Plato. The conversation explores the relationship between wisdom, community, and emotions, emphasizing personal transformation through philosophical inquiry. Evans rightly connects moral understanding to practical steps, advocating for empathy and humility in our quest for genuine insight.
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Quick takeaways
- Wisdom transcends mere knowledge accumulation, focusing instead on understanding deeper meanings and moral engagement with concepts.
- The shift in contemporary philosophy towards technical skills has diminished discussions about wisdom, creating a gap in philosophical discourse.
Deep dives
The Nature of Wisdom
Wisdom is characterized by a deeper understanding rather than merely accumulating facts. A wise individual is more concerned with grasping concepts and the meaning behind information than simply memorizing data points or trivia. This understanding aligns with the thoughts of philosophers like Kierkegaard, who suggest that wisdom involves a moral dimension, aiming to act rightly rather than merely exhibiting cleverness. Consequently, wisdom is not defined by the quantity of knowledge one possesses but by the quality of understanding and moral engagement with that knowledge.
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