“Could You Patent the Sun?”: Overcoming Structural Barriers to STEM Wisdom for the Greater Good

STEM research has led to extraordinary advancements, but not all STEM knowledge contributes to the greater good. In this paper, we discuss the nature of wisdom from a psychological standpoint and apply this understanding to STEM contexts. First, we define wisdom according to a recent integrative model and then use this model to explore what a wise STEM researcher and research group would look like. Second, we discuss structural obstacles to wisdom in STEM research, such as concerns with productivity, notoriety, and profitability. Finally, we conclude with an exploration of what wise STEM education might involve. This paper is a call to all STEM researchers and educators to infuse wisdom into their practice for the benefit of the greater good.