Quest for Self Knowledge: An Essay in Lonergan's Philosophy

by Joseph Flanagan

The theme of self-knowledge, introduced by classical philosophers, was taken up and extended by Bernard Lonergan in his major work, Insight . In this innovative and complex study, Lonergan developed a systematic method for understanding the development of self-knowledge. Joseph Flanagan shares with Lonergan the premise that the problem of self-knowledge can be resolved methodically. The purpose of this book is to introduce teachers and students to this difficult subject and to provide readers with a transcultural, normative foundation for a critical evaluation of self-identity and cultural identity. Flanagan elucidates the complicated historical context in reference to the emergence of Lonergan's positions; in particular he relates Lonergan's thought to the development of modern science. He then retraces the main arguments of Insight as they relate to the theme of self-knowledge, and invites readers to discover and verify within their own conscious experiences a foundational identity that they share with all knowers in an ever-expanding search for truth. This method of self-appropriation not only reveals a new philosophical method, but also transforms the traditional science of metaphysics by subsuming it into a richer and more comprehensive ethical context. Quest for Self-Knowledge establishes new ground for philosophical and religious dialogue and demonstrates how Lonergan's philosophy provides a context that complements and enriches the analytic and phenomenological approaches that dominate Western schools of philosophy.

Genres: Philosophy

292 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1997

Reviews

[Samwise Grangee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Flanagan is a great introduction to the themes of Lonergan's philosophy. Experience, understanding, judging, deciding; self-appropriation; different forms of bias; etc. it's all there and Flanagan integrated themes from Lonergan's later years into this work. It's stuff on decision and commitment are especially moving. It is very repetitive and often summarizes what has been covered, which, while helps things stick, does move the tempo of the read back a few notches. So much so, that I wonder whether an new student to Lonergan's ideas wouldn't be better served simply by diving into the 800 pgs of Insight rather than the 300 pgs of Flanagan.