Sapience Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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sapience
[ˈseɪ.pi.əns ]
Definition
wisdom, intelligence
Sapience refers to the quality of being wise or possessing deep understanding and insight. It encompasses not only knowledge but also the ability to apply that knowledge in practical and meaningful ways. Sapience is often associated with the capacity for critical thinking, decision-making, and the ability to reflect on complex issues. It implies a higher level of cognitive functioning compared to mere knowledge or intelligence.
Synonyms
insightfulness, intelligence, knowledge, sagacity, wisdom.
Examples of usage
- Her sapience in making life decisions impressed everyone.
- The elder's sapience guided the community through difficult times.
- Critics praised the novel for its profound sapience on human nature.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Philosophy
- Sapience involves not just knowledge, but the ability to apply that knowledge wisely in real-life situations.
- Philosophers like Aristotle and Socrates valued sapience and considered it essential for a good life.
- In modern philosophy, sapience is often discussed in relation to ethics and morality, emphasizing making wise choices based on understanding.
Psychology
- Studies show that wisdom, which encompasses sapience, often leads to better emotional regulation and life satisfaction.
- Researchers note that sapience can be cultivated through experiences and reflections over time.
- Psychological theories often connect sapience with empathy, as wise individuals tend to understand others' feelings and perspectives.
Culture
- Various cultures have different proverbs that stress the importance of wisdom and making thoughtful decisions, highlighting the global value of sapience.
- In literature, wise characters often embody sapience, guiding others through complex moral dilemmas.
- Myths and folktales across cultures frequently feature wise mentors or sages, reinforcing the importance of navigating life with awareness and insight.
Science
- Neuroscience research suggests that higher order thinking, related to sapience, is complex and involves multiple brain areas working together.
- Scientists are exploring how sapience could be measured and defined in artificial intelligence systems, wondering if machines can ever be truly wise.
- Some believe that the evolution of human cognition was closely tied to the development of sapience, enabling better social structures and survival strategies.
Origin of 'sapience'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'sapientia', meaning wisdom.
- It is related to the root 'sapiens' which means 'wise' or 'discerning' in Latin.
- In philosophy, ancient texts often referenced sapience as a key quality that distinguishes humans from other creatures.
The word 'sapience' derives from the Latin term 'sapientia', which means wisdom or discernment. This Latin root is related to the verb 'sapere', meaning to taste or to have sense, indicating a connection between wisdom and deep understanding. The term has been used in philosophical discourse since the Middle Ages, often in discussions about the nature of human understanding and knowledge. 'Sapience' is frequently contrasted with mere 'cognition' or the acquisition of information, emphasizing the depth and quality of understanding. Its use in English dates back to the late 14th century, and it has been employed in various fields, including philosophy, psychology, and literature, to describe a profound level of wisdom that goes beyond practical knowledge.