self knowledge wisdom moderation Dr Amina Muazzam LCWU

self knowledge , wisdom, moderation Dr Amina Muazzam. . LCWU Dr Amina Muazzam 3/9/2021 1

Content self knowledge � Definition � Psychology of self knowledge � Ares of psychological study � Importance of self knowledge Ø Wisdom � Character strength of wisdom Ø Moderation � History � Definition � Moderation in our daily life � Principles of moderation Ø Dr Amina Muazzam 3/9/2021 2

Self knowledge can be define as understanding of oneself and one’s own motives or character � Self knowledge is knowledge and understanding of its internal concepts (such as one’s own motivation, strengths and weaknesses) that have been gleaned through reflection and honesty. � Psychology of self knowledge � It leads us to development of ourselves as integral individuals in whatever level we find ourselves. � It is revolutionary type of psychology that directed toward the knowledge of oneself. Self knowledge is the fundamental aspect of life. It arises the question such as What do we live for? What is the reason of our life? What is the objective of our existence? Could it be that life consists only of birth, growth, reproduction and death? Ø Dr Amina Muazzam 3/9/2021 3

Self knowledge Psychology of self knowledge practiced continually or practiced towards oneself, is the solution to personal growth and internal advancement or the solution to our phobias, complexes, trauma, aversion and all other psychological defects that cause much damage. � It help us to identifies the roots of the problem and the possible solution � It also help us to make understanding about one’s self in order to make sense of our life. � Dr Amina Muazzam 3/9/2021 4

Self knowledge Ø � � � � � Area of psychological study The world of forms The world behind The world beneath The consciousness Importance of self knowledge It is important as it helps you to develop better understanding of yourself. Through better self understanding you are more able to be in control of your own life It helps you to find answer of more insightful or spiritual questions. It helps us to develop better understanding with the physical world and the metaphysical world within you. It also helps us to recognize error in our thinking and correct them. Dr Amina Muazzam 3/9/2021 5

wisdom Baltes and colleagues define wisdom as expertise in the conduct and meaning of life. � Sternberg's most recent definition of wisdom stems from his "balance theory of wisdom. " According to this theory, people are wise to the extent that they use their intelligence to seek a common good. They do so by balancing their own interests with those of other people and those of larger entities (e. g. , family, community, country). (Sternberg, 1998) � Character strength of wisdom � There are the following character strength of wisdom Ø q Creativity Dr Amina Muazzam 3/9/2021 6

wisdom Creativity can be seen as the ability to adapt. According to a study by Flood and Phillips (2007), adaptation is “the process and outcome whereby individuals use conscious awareness and choice to create human and environmental integration. ” � Therefore, people who are easily adaptable to new environments share the strength of creativity q Curiosity � According to the VIA, curiosity is defined as: “taking an interest in ongoing experience for its own sake; finding subjects and topics fascinating; exploring and discovering” � One study shows that curiosity is one of the components for lifesuccess in that it allows us to view challenge and novelty as an opportunity for growth. For example, searching for the meaning of things can promote a sense of direction and purpose in life. � Dr Amina Muazzam 3/9/2021 7

wisdom Judgement � Judgment is defined as “thinking things through and examining them from all sides; not jumping to conclusions; being able to change one’s mind in light of evidence; weighing all evidence fairly” (VIA Institution on Character, 2015). q Love of learning � VIA defines love of learning as “mastering new skills, topics, and bodies of knowledge, whether on one’s own or formally. ” Connected to the strength of curiousity, love of learning “goes beyond it to describe the tendency to add systematically to what one knows” (VIA Institution on Character, 2015). � People with a strong love of learning can maintain a sense of efficacy and motivation while learning over a long period of time than those without (Peterson & Seligman, 2004). q Dr Amina Muazzam 3/9/2021 8

wisdom Perspective � Wisdom. Peterson and Seligman (2004) view the strength of wisdom as being different from intelligence and as a higher form of knowledge. It is used for the sake of oneself and others’ well-being. People with this strength see things through a wider lens. � In addition, perspective is all about experiences. Perspective or wisdom can be developed through life tasks and adjustments as well as coming to terms with life choices, life changes, and stressful life experiences. As Aristotle once said q Dr Amina Muazzam 3/9/2021 9

Moderation is define as Self-restraint, “taking the middle road”, temperance. It is typically described in terms of what an individual voluntarily refrains from doing. It includes: � restraint from retaliation in the form of non-violence and forgiveness � restraint from arrogance in the form of humility and modesty � restraint from excesses such as splurging now in the form of prudence � restraint from excessive anger or craving for something in the form of calmness and self-control. � Dr Amina Muazzam 3/9/2021 10

Moderation � The idea of moderation can be traced back to Ancient Greece. The Greek definition of temperance translates to "moderation in action, thought, or feeling; restraint � According to Aristotle moderation is a mean between extremes of response to pleasure. � Plato described moderation as the harmony between reason, spirit, and desire. “It’s the disposition of the soul where reason, spirit, and desire are in agreement, ”. Dr Amina Muazzam 3/9/2021 11

Moderation Temperance/ Moderation in our daily life � Throughout our lives, we will all have struggles against temptations for what we know to be detrimental to ourselves and others. Temperance is the virtue which counteracts these temptations. Temperance enables us to keep from doing what is wrong, even when we have strong feelings for it. In other words, temperance is what keeps us from sinning, even when we want to. � because temperance is about maintaining the good, but you can only maintain the good if you already have some idea of what the good is and how to acquire it. That's why we needed to discuss prudence (which is how we know the good) and justice and fortitude (which is how we do the good) � Dr Amina Muazzam 3/9/2021 12

Moderation Principles of moderation There are three main principles of moderation: � Do your homework � “Before you can be for or against something, try to get the facts right, ” says Craiutu. “Don’t work with alternative facts. ” That means listening to all sides, understanding the issue, and keeping an open line of dialogue—especially with those who may disagree with you. � Think pragmatically � And don’t think strictly ideologically. “Thinking ideologically means you’re thinking by the book. You’re not carefully considering facts but following certain signposts, ” says Craiutu. “Try to find something that goes beyond factional interest. Raise yourself above the fray. ” q Dr Amina Muazzam 3/9/2021 13

Moderation Consider the context � Craiutu also emphasizes that moderation isn’t a virtue for all seasons. “You don’t defend moderation when there’s a dictator or case of discrimination, ” he says. “When you have too much inequality, you need to make sure that it doesn’t overturn the whole ship and that doesn’t mean being in the center. ” � The idea of moderation is not just blindly walking down the center of the road. “It’s like a tightrope walker, ” says Craiutu. “Sometimes you have to lean to the right. Sometimes you have to lean to the left. ” You’re constantly shifting where you stand. � Dr Amina Muazzam 3/9/2021 14