EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AS PRACTICAL WISDOM: A PHILOSOPHICAL REVIEW OF EDUCATOR WELL-BEING AND WORK-FAMILY BALANCE

Abstract

Emotional intelligence (EI) has become a prominent construct in psychology, education, and organizational studies due to its association with interpersonal effectiveness, occupational performance, and psychological well-being. Despite its widespread application, emotional intelligence is predominantly conceptualized as a set of competencies that facilitate adaptation and effectiveness, leaving its deeper philosophical foundations relatively unexplored. This paper offers a philosophical reinterpretation of emotional intelligence through the lens of Aristotelian virtue ethics, particularly the concept of phronesis or practical wisdom. Drawing on philosophical and educational literature, the review examines the conceptual similarities between emotional intelligence and practical wisdom, including self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, contextual judgment, and the integration of emotion and reason in decision-making. The analysis argues that emotional intelligence may be understood not merely as a psychological skill but as a virtue-oriented capacity that supports wise judgment and human flourishing. Attention is given to the relevance of this perspective for educators, whose professional lives require continuous negotiation of emotional, ethical, and relational challenges. The paper further explores the implications of emotional intelligence as practical wisdom for educator well-being and work-family balance, suggesting that these outcomes are best understood within a broader framework of flourishing rather than solely in terms of stress reduction or performance enhancement. Finally, a conceptual framework is proposed linking practical wisdom, emotional intelligence, emotional judgment, work-family balance, educator well-being, and human flourishing. By integrating Aristotelian ethics with contemporary emotional intelligence scholarship, this review contributes to ongoing discussions concerning the philosophical foundations of emotional intelligence and its significance for fostering flourishing educational lives.