Wisdom, Knowledgeability
©1999 Edward G. Rozycki

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edited 4/5/12

Step 1: Consider these related and contrasting terms. Don't worry about their definitions. Just be aware that these terms can influence our understanding of what wisdom or knowledgeability is.
 

CHART A
wisdom
knowledgeability
Some Related Terms understanding, prudence, sensibility  informed, apprised, knowing, cognizance, alertness
Some Contrasting Terms stupidity, rashness, riskiness, foolishness ignorance, dullness, distractedness, unawareness

Step 2: Read through all Case Examples below. Note their points of contrast and comparison.

Step 3: Identification of Examples. Working alone, use the following scale to evaluate each case as an example of wisdom or knowledgeability. Do each column independently:

 

CHART B: Case Examples
wisdom?
knowledgeability?
1. "Since you can't afford a loss and the market is very volatile, don't sell your Blue Chips!" said Sam to his client.    
2. Not wanting to intrude although seeing Mary was upset, Sam waited until she brought up the topic to offer his support .    
3. His hands in the air, Sam said to the masked gunman, "You won't get away with killing the teller, because I recognize who you are from your walk!"    
4. Upon hearing the abrupt sound, Sam said to his boss, "Your colonic flora have to be adjusted to your diet."    
5. "Except for the great sex, I find you rather stupid and boring," said Sam to Jane.    
6. With resonant intonation, Sam told his disciples, "Life is but a dream in the mind of the Great Pumpkin."    
7. "Grandpa once got Aunt Mary pregnant," announced Sam at the family Thanksgiving dinner.    
8. Furious that it wouldn't start, Sam kicked his car in the bumper and broke his toe.    
9. Sam advised Ann to add oil every two weeks rather than have her engined overhauled or buy a new car on her already strained budget.    
10."Let drug pushers beware," said superintendent Sam, "because we will conduct a thorough locker search in the high school every Friday."    

Step 4: Team up with a partner. Note your points of agreement and disagreement. Develop an explanation as to why you disagree. What additional information in each case would bring you to agree on it?

Step 5: Combine your team with another. Note your points of agreement and disagreement. Develop an explanation as to why you disagree. What additional information in each case would bring you to agree on it?

Step 6: Repeat step 4 until the entire group (class) is included and reaches the best consensus possible on each item. Complete this step before going on to step 7.

Step 7: Reclassify. Are some of the cases better described using words from Chart A?

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