Wisdom as expertise: Development and application of wisdom knowledge scale

Abstract

This study investigated the concept of wisdom as expertise in solving life problems based on an accumulation of life experience. We reviewed and defined the notion of wisdom as practical knowledge and skills, which have developed in the work place. We developed the Wisdom Knowledge Scale (WKS) based on the Berlin Wisdom Paradigm (Baltes & Smith, 2008), and checked the reliability and validity using four measures of wisdom: the Self-Assessed Wisdom Scale (SAWS; Webster, 2007), the Three-Dimensional Wisdom Scale (3D-WS; Ardelt, 2003), the Adult Self-Transcendence Inventory (ASTI; Levenson et al., 2005), and Brief Wisdom Screening Scale (BWSS; Glück, et al., 2013). Based on three survey data (Ns=1074, 997, 1000), participants’ scores on the Wisdom Knowledge Scale increased with age. Structural equation modeling showed that (a) years of education and work experience affected critical thinking attitude and practical knowledge, (b) critical thinking attitude and practical knowledge affected the Wisdom Knowledge score, (c) curiosity and grit affected the Wisdom Knowledge score, and (d) the Wisdom Knowledge score affected happiness. We discuss possibilities for future research on wisdom as expert knowledge using cross cultural, developmental, and interventional approaches.