A theory of health science and the healing arts based on the philosophy of Bernard Lonergan.

Full Abstract

This paper represents a preliminary investigation relating Bernard Lonergan's thought to health science and the healing arts. First, I provide background for basic elements of Lonergan's theoretical terminology that I employ. As inquiry is the engine of Lonergan's method, next I specify two questions that underlie medical insights and define several terms, including health, disease, and illness, in relation to these questions. Then I expand the frame of reference to include all disciplines involved in the cycle of clinical interaction under the heading health science and the healing arts. Finally, I analyze the cycle of clinical interaction in terms of Lonergan's cognitive theory. I compare and contrast my analysis, based on Lonergan, with that of Pellegrino, Thomasma and Sulmasy as I proceed. In closing, I comment briefly on the next stage of this project regarding Lonergan's theory of the human good in relation to the practice of the healing arts.

Author information

Author/s: Daly, Patrick R (PR);

Affiliation: Togus VAMC, 1 VA Center, Augusta, ME 04330, USA. patrick.daly(-atsign-)med.va.gov

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Biography; Historical Article; Journal Article

Journal: Theoretical medicine and bioethics (Theor Med Bioeth), published in Netherlands. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-; vol 30 (issue 2) : pp 147-60

Dates: Created 2009/04/03; Completed 2009/07/08;

PMID: 19283513, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 7/24/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

External Links for this article
(including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.