Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge in the real world in a constructive way—to enrich our individual lives and to make the world a better place. Wisdom is often found at the intersection of theory and experience. How does modern expertise benefit all of us, and how can we convince the general population to value it? How does life experience create wisdom? In this course, we will explore the biological, philosophical, social scientific, and experiential aspects of wisdom and analyze what ancient and contemporary sources have to say about it.

Course Dates: Thursdays, January 23 through February 27, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM (Eastern)

Course preview (video): https://vimeo.com/953182611?share=copy

Instructor: Dr. David E. Smith grew up in the world of fundamentalist religion. As an adult he gradually moved away from that worldview and became a religious progressive/skeptic. After earning an MA in philosophy of religion, he received a second MA and a PhD in religious studies from Temple University. Formerly a philosophy and religious studies faculty member at Central Washington University, he now offers independent seminars and personal consultations in comparative religion and philosophy. He has published widely in these areas, and his mission is to empower people to think well for themselves about things that matter.

Registration is required to attend, and limited space is available.

Osher Online is a shared program exclusively for members of select Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (OLLIs). This collaboration between the Osher National Resource Center and the School of Professional Studies at Northwestern University presents lecture and discussion-style courses over four academic terms – fall, winter, spring, and summer – yearly. The purpose of Osher Online is to share quality online courses and occasional special community events with local OLLIs.