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From Knowledge to Wisdom: The Need for an Academic Revolution

Maxwell, N; (2008) From Knowledge to Wisdom: The Need for an Academic Revolution. In: Barnett, R and Maxwell, N, (eds.) Wisdom in the University. (1 - 19). Routledge: London, UK. Green open access

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Abstract

At present the basic intellectual aim of academic inquiry is to improve knowledge. Much of the structure, the whole character, of academic inquiry, in universities all over the world, is shaped by the adoption of this as the basic intellectual aim. But, judged from the standpoint of making a contribution to human welfare, academic inquiry of this type is damagingly irrational. Three of four of the most elementary rules of rational problem-solving are violated. A revolution in the aims and methods of academic inquiry is needed so that the basic aim becomes to promote wisdom, conceived of as the capacity to realize what is of value, for oneself and others, thus including knowledge and technological know-how, but much else besides. This urgently needed revolution would affect every branch and aspect of the academic enterprise.

Type: Book chapter
Title: From Knowledge to Wisdom: The Need for an Academic Revolution
ISBN-13: 9780415449342
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
Publisher version: http://www.routledge.com/books/details/97804154493...
Language: English
Additional information: This is an electronic version of a book chapter published by Routledge in: In: Barnett, R and Maxwell, N, (eds.) Wisdom in the University. (1 - 19). Routledge: London, UK. This is available via http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415449342/
Keywords: academic inquiry, knowledge, wisdom, academic revolution, global problems, natural science, social inquiry, rationality
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Maths and Physical Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Maths and Physical Sciences > Dept of Science and Technology Studies
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/1344148
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