"Received wisdom" is a phrase that refers to commonly held beliefs or ideas, often passed down through generations. The spelling of this phrase can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet as /ɹɪˈsiːvd ˈwɪzdəm/. The first syllable "re-" is pronounced with a short "i" sound, followed by a long "e" in "ceived". The second syllable "wis-" has a short "i" sound, while the final syllable "-dom" is pronounced with a short "u" sound. Together, the phrase represents a collection of beliefs and ideas that have been accepted as truth over time.
Received wisdom refers to widely accepted beliefs, ideas or knowledge that are passed down through generations or within a specific community, despite any lack of strong evidence or critical examination. It represents a set of opinions or principles that are accepted as true, reliable, or valuable without much questioning or debate.
This term implies that the knowledge or information has been received from traditional sources of authority, such as cultural traditions, religious texts, or respected figures. It is often characterized by its stability and longevity, as it has endured through time and has become ingrained in society.
Received wisdom can influence various aspects of life, including social norms, cultural practices, and even political decisions. It frames individuals' perspectives and guides their thinking and actions without requiring an individual to critically evaluate or question the underlying assumptions.
However, while received wisdom can provide a foundation for shared understanding and cohesion within a society, it is not necessarily infallible or universally true. As society evolves and new information emerges, received wisdom may be challenged, revised, or even proven false. Thus, it is important to subject received wisdom to critical scrutiny and incorporate new knowledge to ensure progress and accurate understanding.
The word "received wisdom" originates from two different sources.
1. Received: The word "received" comes from the Old English word "rǣdan", which means "to advise, interpret, or explain". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "rēdaną", meaning "to counsel or put in order". Over time, "received" came to mean something that is generally accepted or recognized as true or valid.
2. Wisdom: The term "wisdom" comes from the Old English word "wīsdōm", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "wītis-" meaning "knowledge" or "to see". It is related to the Old Norse word "vísdómr" and the Gothic word "weisdoms". "Wisdom" refers to the ability to have good judgment, knowledge, insight, or accumulated learning.