The New Science of Practical Wisdom: A Critical Appraisal

Abstract Philosophically, practical wisdom has been discussed within the context of virtue ethics as a deliberative process or one dependent on a constellation of other virtues. The context of virtue ethics provides additional relevant concepts to consider when defining and measuring practical wisdom. Broadening the psychological perspective to consider the practice of deliberation within decision-making or to examine the contributions of other virtues will advance the understanding of the nuances related to doing the right thing, at the right time, for the right reason toward a moral end. At the same time, with a more developed biological perspective, there can be advancements in the complexity and completeness of the biological model underlying the psychological processes of practical wisdom. Importantly, with a well-developed science of practical wisdom, one can foster behavioral changes in a professional agent conducive to making professionally wise choices. The aim of this collection of essays by experts in the field of practical wisdom is to bring together these multidisciplinary perspectives on the conceptualization of practical wisdom to guide a meaningful integration of concepts of competence and character with care into the education and support of medical professionals.