Visualizing Wisdom: A Conceptual Framework of Knowledge Visualization for Wise Judgment in Management, Careers and Transitions
Type
conference paper
Date Issued
2026
Author(s)
Kernbach, Sebastian
Abstract
Practical wisdom as the ability to make context-sensitive judgments under uncertainty and translate them into proportionate action is increasingly recognized as critical in complex managerial and life decisions. While research has identified core wisdom-related reasoning capacities such as epistemic humility, perspective taking, and integration of competing values, little attention has been paid to how these capacities can be supported through external cognitive tools. At the same time, knowledge visualization research has shown how visual representations enhance cognition, collaboration, and action, yet its role in cultivating practical wisdom remains underexplored. This paper proposes a conceptual framework linking six dimensions of practical wisdom, epistemic, perspective, integrative, contextual, affective, and action, with key functions of knowledge visualization. We argue that visual representations can scaffold wisdom by externalizing uncertainty, juxtaposing perspectives, stabilizing tensions, structuring context, regulating emotion, and guiding action. By integrating insights from wisdom research and visualization research, the framework positions knowledge visualization not merely as a communication aid but as a scaffold for practical wisdom in management and life design contexts.
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
No
Publisher
IEEE Conference Proceedings
Subject(s)
Division(s)
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
Name
iV26 Kernbach - Visualizing Wisdom FINAL.pdf
Size
247.06 KB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
f33e9ef60d5909ff560799c85312cf98