Wisdom has intrigued both scholars and laypersons since antiquity. On the one hand, its seemingly thereal yet obvious qualities are timeless and universal. On the other hand, these same qualities are evolving and responsive to historical and cultural change. Novel societal and personal dilemmas emerge...

The author discusses the role of politics in human activities. She explores several views on politics. She looks at the political interpretations of notable political thinkers, such as Plato and Aristotle. She traces the historical origins of the denial of human nature. She stresses that people are beings...

Autobiographies are particularly interesting in the context of moral philosophy because they offer us rare and extended examples of how other people think, feel and reflect, which is of crucial importance in the development of phronesis (practical wisdom ). In this article, Martha Nussbaum's use...

Amid the unrest, dislocation, and uncertainty of seventeenth-century Europe, readers seeking consolation and assurance turned to philosophical and scientific books that offered ways of conquering fears and training the mind—guidance for living a good life. <i>The Good Life in the Scientific Revolution<...

At a time when poor choices are being made by notably intelligent and powerful individuals, this book analyzes a form of reasoning and decision-making that is not only productive and prudent, but serves as well a beneficial purpose for society. A Handbook of Wisdom includes contributions from some of...

This article explains the views of French philosopher Blaise Pascal against the philosophical and theological legitimization of a godly worldly life by the Jesuits. It also provides background on Jesuit philosopher Pierre LeMoyne's ordered world of natural inclinations, the attribution of inclinations...

This authoritative volume represents the only complete collection of psychological views on wisdom currently available. Considered an elusive psychological construct until recently, wisdom is currently attracting interest as an independent field. The acclaimed psychologist Robert Sternberg perceived...