Holistic approach in wisdom research is necessary: Response to Akrivou and González

This response discusses five issues raised by the reviewers. First, the definition of wisdom demands a holistic theoretical approach to summarize findings of rich empirical work. Second, the concept of self-transcendence as ethical commitment to common good may emerge from various worldviews such as religious, spiritualistic, agnostic or atheistic views. Third, the article responds to the reviewers’ questions about the role of philosopher Rauhala in the new model. His idea of intentionality has had an important impact in the model. Fourth, the relationship between general pedagogy and specific wisdom pedagogy is discussed with the conclusion that ethics and moral education are in the core of wisdom pedagogy, while general pedagogy nurturing cognitive and socio-emotional skills can also contribute to the development of wisdom-related attributes. Fifth, it is stressed that the integrative nature of wisdom requires integration of different pedagogical methods in the endeavour to cultivate wisdom.