# Edward de Bono

> Maltese physician (1933–2021)

**Wikidata**: [Q41322](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q41322)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_de_Bono)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/edward-de-bono

## Summary
Edward de Bono was a Maltese physician (1933–2021) who also worked as a psychologist, philosopher, and university teacher. He is best known for his contributions to psychology, particularly through his innovative teaching methods and the development of lateral thinking, a problem-solving approach that emphasizes creativity and unconventional solutions.

## Biography
- Born: 1933
- Nationality: Maltese
- Education:
  - Christ Church, University of Oxford
  - Trinity College, University of Cambridge
- Known for: Pioneering lateral thinking and innovative teaching methods in psychology
- Employer(s):
  - University of Malta
  - University of Cambridge
  - University of Pretoria
- Field(s):
  - Psychology
  - Philosophy
  - Medicine

## Contributions
Edward de Bono made significant contributions to psychology through his work in teaching and problem-solving methodologies. He developed lateral thinking, a cognitive approach that encourages creative and unconventional solutions to problems. His teaching methods at the University of Malta and other institutions were widely influential. He also authored several books on psychology and creativity, including *The Use of Lateral Thinking* (1970), which introduced his lateral thinking principles to a broader audience.

## FAQs
### What was Edward de Bono's primary field of work?
Edward de Bono was primarily a psychologist, physician, and philosopher, with a focus on teaching and problem-solving methodologies.

### Where did Edward de Bono receive his education?
Edward de Bono was educated at Christ Church, University of Oxford, and Trinity College, University of Cambridge.

### What is lateral thinking, and how did Edward de Bono contribute to it?
Lateral thinking is a problem-solving approach that emphasizes creativity and unconventional solutions. Edward de Bono developed this concept and introduced it through his book *The Use of Lateral Thinking* (1970), which popularized the method in psychology and beyond.

### Where did Edward de Bono work as a university teacher?
Edward de Bono taught at the University of Malta, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Pretoria.

### What awards or recognitions did Edward de Bono receive?
Edward de Bono received the Rhodes Scholarship and an honorary doctorate, among other recognitions.

## Why They Matter
Edward de Bono's work in psychology and education had a lasting impact on how problems are approached and solutions are developed. His lateral thinking principles challenged traditional methods, encouraging creativity and innovative thinking. His teaching methods at the University of Malta and other institutions influenced generations of students and professionals. His books and lectures continue to be referenced in psychology, business, and creative problem-solving today.

## Notable For
- Pioneering lateral thinking, a problem-solving approach that emphasizes creativity and unconventional solutions
- Author of *The Use of Lateral Thinking* (1970), which introduced his lateral thinking principles to a broader audience
- Recipient of the Rhodes Scholarship and an honorary doctorate
- Influential university teacher at the University of Malta, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Pretoria

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Edward de Bono was born in 1933 and held Maltese nationality. He pursued higher education at Christ Church, University of Oxford, and Trinity College, University of Cambridge, where he studied medicine and psychology.

### Career and Teaching
Edward de Bono began his career as a physician and psychologist, later becoming a university teacher. He taught at the University of Malta, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Pretoria, where his innovative teaching methods were widely recognized.

### Contributions to Psychology
Edward de Bono is best known for developing lateral thinking, a cognitive approach that encourages creative and unconventional solutions to problems. He introduced this concept through his book *The Use of Lateral Thinking* (1970), which became a foundational text in psychology and problem-solving methodologies.

### Awards and Recognition
Edward de Bono received the Rhodes Scholarship and an honorary doctorate, among other recognitions, which highlighted his contributions to education and psychology.

### Legacy
Edward de Bono's work continues to influence psychology, business, and creative problem-solving today. His lateral thinking principles remain a key reference in fields that value innovation and unconventional solutions. His teaching methods and publications have left a lasting impact on how problems are approached and solutions are developed.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. Rhodes Scholar Database
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. CiNii Research
6. SNAC
7. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
8. [Father of lateral thinking, Edward de Bono, has died](https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/110162/father_of_lateral_thinking_edward_de_bono_has_died)
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. Integrated Authority File
11. CONOR.SI
12. Quora
13. LIBRIS. 2009
14. Catalogo of the National Library of India