Polymathy: A New Outlook

Michael Espindola Araki
Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro

This article aims to contribute to the study of polymathy by introducing novel perspectives on the phenomenon and by advancing a new model that systematizes the different variables involved in its development. The article is divided into four sections. The first section involves a reflection about the nature of polymathy; the term mathema is presented as the unit that underpins the development of polymathic knowledge, and the elements that constitute the fundamental qualities of polymathy are identified and discussed. In the second section, the novel conceptualization of polymathy as a life project is introduced; it builds upon previous psychoeconomic approaches to offer a new perspective on the phenomenon. In the third section, a developmental model of polymathy is suggested; it organizes the different constructs involved in the development of polymathy into a framework that can serve as basis for future studies. Finally, implications for research, practice and policy are discussed.

Araki, M. E. (2018). Polymathy: A new outlook. Journal of Genius and Eminence, 3(1), 49-65. http://dx.doi.org/10.18536/jge.2018.04.3.1.05