Psych Science Speaker Series: Dr. Igor Grossmann, University of Waterloo

Wisdom as a meta-cognitive framework for sound judgment: Measurement, ecology and the self

Wisdom was a central topic in ancient philosophy, glorified in various cultures in the past. In the last 20 years psychologists became interested in this topic, discussing what wisdom is, how it relates to well-being and how it varies across the lifespan and different personality profiles. Building on this research, I propose a meta-cognitive framework of wisdom for sound judgment. Meta-cognitive principles of sound judgment include epistemic virtues of intellectual humility, recognition of world in flux and change, and consideration & integration of different perspectives. These principles represent evolutionary adaptations, which are beneficial for individual coordination within a group. Based on experimental and diary evidence, I further propose that the propensity of applying these principles in daily life depends on the features of general ecology and specific situational demands. To support this framework, I review data from evolutionary biology, experimental philosophy, as well as cross-cultural and social-personality psychology. I will highlight evidence-based factors contributing to malleability in wisdom-related epistemic virtues in the context of interpersonal conflicts and societal polarization, paying particular attention to the role of the self and resource-driven ecological adaptations. Together, these streams of research begin to illuminate the processes underlying wise reasoning, highlighting its malleability due to cultural and individual factors.  

Igor Grossmann

Igor Grossmann is a behavioural scientist exploring the interplay of sociocultural factors for adaptive emotion regulation and wisdom in the face of daily stressors. His interdisciplinary work uses innovative methods, including big data analytics, psychophysiology, diary surveys, and behavioral experiments, to target complex social issues.