Concept Formulation/Clarification/Definition
Chauncey C. Riddle,
1983 Class handout
Example: Wisdom
Click to see blank template
- Symbols: (Symbols associated with concept in its variant forms.) wise, wisdom
- Base: (language/culture/time frame of inquiry) Gospel/scriptural
- Etymology: AS, wis=discerning + dom=judgment
- Dictionary definition:
Webster’s Collegiate: “Quality of being wise; ability to judge soundly and deal sagaciously with facts, esp. as they relate to life and conduct; discernment and judgment; discretion; sagacity.”
Oxford English: “Capacity of judging rightly in matters relating to life and conduct; soundness of judgment in the choice of means and ends. …”
5. Examples: (Examples in base on other side.)
’Tis a wise man who knows his own father.
Wisdom is justified of her children.
6. Correlations
| Genus: Thinking | Levels | ||
| Similar: Ethics, morality, coping | Celestial | ||
| Perfection: All wise | All wisdom comes from God | ||
| Pre-requisite (s) | Comple-ment: | Counter-feit(s) | Terrestrial |
| Agency | Foolishness | Sophistry, being learned | Living by rules |
| Concept: | Telestial | ||
| Wisdom | Living by impulse | ||
| Opposite: Insane | Perdition | ||
| Contrary: Stupidity, innocence, unable | Living to use others while feigning good | ||
| Necessary Constituents |
(table above can scroll side to side)
7. Key questions: (Questions and answers to illuminate the concept. Use other side.)
- What is the connection between
wisdom and ethics?
Ethics is the study of the different approaches to wisdom in the world. - How many kinds of wisdom are there?
Nearly as many as there are individuals.
8. Definition: Wisdom is the ability to achieve one’s goal at a tolerable price and never to have to look back and be sorry.
9. Examples: (Positive/negative examples to demonstrate or test concept.)
- Examples: The man who built upon a rock. The man who works hard and saves.
- Non-examples: The man who built upon sand. The man who is lazy and a spendthrift.
10. Relevance: (The difference this concept should make in my life: heart, mind, strength, might.)
There seem to be many short-run wisdoms, but only one long-term wisdom.