COMMENTARY: Knowledge Mobilization in the Real World - Seeking Wisdom

Abstract

What is it that keeps us from acting on knowledge that we believe to be true? Over the years, mankind has derived many different forms of knowledge from science, from experience, and from divine revelation. We have applied some forms, especially in the natural sciences, to immense benefit to humankind, but other forms, especially in the human sciences, seem more difficult to apply. In the more recent past, we have had the benefit of considerable research to help us better understand how many of our societal problems are rooted in fundamental inequalities in our society. This polemic will focus important considerations in our search for better ways to serve our brothers and sisters. These include our knowledge of the social determinants of health, attachment theory, childhood resiliency, the impact of poverty, racism and its accompanying oppression. Few can deny that these are important factors in the development of healthy families that can form and nurture healthy and productive members of our society. Their relevance to the world of program and services seem obvious, yet they are remarkably elusive in their application I do not have easy answers to this conundrum, but I do wish to pose some provocative questions that will hopefully encourage a deeper reflection on these matters and open our minds to new possibilities that can assist us in pursuing their application Ultimately, if we define wisdom as the ability Volume 4, Number 1, 2009, pp. 80-88