What is received wisdom?

Received wisdom refers to widely held beliefs, ideas, or practices passed down from one generation to another, often without critical examination or questioning. It is based on tradition, cultural norms, or assumptions rather than on empirical evidence or logical reasoning. Received wisdom may include traditional sayings, proverbs, folk wisdom, or commonplace notions.

Some characteristics of received wisdom include:

1. Longstanding Tradition: Received wisdom often has a long history and has been passed down for many generations.

2. Cultural Influence: It is deeply embedded in a particular culture and becomes part of its collective knowledge and customs.

3. Lack of Critical Examination: Many people may accept received wisdom without questioning its validity or reasoning, due to familiarity and tradition.

4. Authority Figures: Received wisdom may be attributed to respected individuals, famous personalities, or religious figures, adding perceived credibility.

5. Limited Perspective: Received wisdom may reflect a limited perspective rooted in past experiences and might not consider changing circumstances or new information.

6. Simplification: It often presents complex issues in simplified or overgeneralized ways.

7. Resistance to Change: Some received wisdom may persist despite evidence or arguments that challenge their accuracy or relevance.

8. Selective Memory: People may remember aspects of received wisdom that support their beliefs while forgetting or ignoring conflicting evidence.

9. Cognitive Ease: Received wisdom may be favored due to its familiarity, reducing cognitive effort required to process new information.

10. Collective Validation: The fact that many people believe in received wisdom can itself serve as a form of validation.

While some received wisdom may contain useful insights or practical knowledge, it is essential to critically examine beliefs, ideas, and practices to ensure their accuracy, relevance, and appropriateness in a changing world.