Understanding Wisdom: Sources, Science and Society

Editor Warren Brown presents his research on brain functioning, drawn from observing individuals with damage to specific neural areas, to suggest the importance of integration between hemispheres of the brain to comprehend complex situations in a way that may be termed "wise." Diana Van Lancker also looks at hemispheres of the brain and explores studies that show that left brain functioning is related to prayers, chants, and sayings often used in religious practice. The study of wisdom is challenging and thought provoking. This volume sheds light on the age-old question: What is wisdom and where does it come from? This book is an important contribution to defining this field of study.