Wisdom as a Virtue in Positive Psychology
Wisdom as Virtue in Positive Psychology
Tom Cheston
March 03, 2009
Positive psychology is an expression that started with Abraham Harold Maslow (April 1, 1908 – June 8, 1970) was an American scientist who studied the mental functions and behavior associated with the human mind. Maslow is mainly noted for his ideas and thoughts regarding a "hierarchy of human needs"[1] and is considered the father of “humanistic psychology” (behaviorism, psychoanalysis and humanism). In 1998, Martin Seligman, who is considered the father of the modern positive psychology movement, began positive psychology as a new area of psychology. Basically, Martin urged psychologists to continue to find and nurture genius, talent and improve (make more fulfilling) normal life. So, good in definition, positive psychology, as a recent branch of psychology, studies the strengths and characteristics valued as promoting individual and collective well-being, which enable individuals and communities to flourish and be successful.
Wisdom (also known as psychological perspective), as one such characteristic valued in positive psychology, is defined as the coordination of "knowledge and experience" and "its deliberate use to improve well being."[2] Unlike the popular general idea, wisdom (as a virtue) does not have to necessarily increase with age. Subsequently, a person is said have wisdom if the following characteristics are present:
* There is a sense of one’s mental and physiological state associated with a wide variety of feelings, thoughts, and behavior.
* There is (or seems) a sincere and direct approach in dealing with others.
* The central part (core) is clearly recognized of important problems.
* The “walk” (actions) is consistent with the “talk” (spoken beliefs).
* Often, others seek advice.
Therefore, in positive psychology, researchers (psychologists) have gathered that wisdom (as a virtue) is its own separate term and not merely a placing
Tom Cheston
March 03, 2009
Positive psychology is an expression that started with Abraham Harold Maslow (April 1, 1908 – June 8, 1970) was an American scientist who studied the mental functions and behavior associated with the human mind. Maslow is mainly noted for his ideas and thoughts regarding a "hierarchy of human needs"[1] and is considered the father of “humanistic psychology” (behaviorism, psychoanalysis and humanism). In 1998, Martin Seligman, who is considered the father of the modern positive psychology movement, began positive psychology as a new area of psychology. Basically, Martin urged psychologists to continue to find and nurture genius, talent and improve (make more fulfilling) normal life. So, good in definition, positive psychology, as a recent branch of psychology, studies the strengths and characteristics valued as promoting individual and collective well-being, which enable individuals and communities to flourish and be successful.
Wisdom (also known as psychological perspective), as one such characteristic valued in positive psychology, is defined as the coordination of "knowledge and experience" and "its deliberate use to improve well being."[2] Unlike the popular general idea, wisdom (as a virtue) does not have to necessarily increase with age. Subsequently, a person is said have wisdom if the following characteristics are present:
* There is a sense of one’s mental and physiological state associated with a wide variety of feelings, thoughts, and behavior.
* There is (or seems) a sincere and direct approach in dealing with others.
* The central part (core) is clearly recognized of important problems.
* The “walk” (actions) is consistent with the “talk” (spoken beliefs).
* Often, others seek advice.
Therefore, in positive psychology, researchers (psychologists) have gathered that wisdom (as a virtue) is its own separate term and not merely a placing
References: Wikipedia® Foundation, Inc. (2009, February 24). Retrieved February 25, 2009 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wisdom [2] Peterson, C. and Seligman, M. (2004). Character strengths and virtues: A handbook and classification. Oxford: Oxford University Press. p. 106. ISBN 0-19-516701-5.