Approaches to Critical Realism: Bhaskar and Lonergan. Issue 2 (15th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Walker, Timothy
• Is Part Of: Journal of critical realism. Volume 16:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 111
• Page End: 127
• Publication Date: 2017-03-15
• Subjects: Lonergan -- cognitional structure -- emergent probability -- science -- theological critical realism; Critical realism -- Periodicals; Réalisme critique; 149.205
• DOI: 10.1080/14767430.2017.1288062
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1476-7430

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The thought of Bernard Lonergan remains relatively unknown among those in the tradition of critical realism associated with Roy Bhaskar. In this paper, I argue that Lonergan's approach to philosophical questions is both deeply consonant with the thought of Bhaskar and complementary to it. Following a brief overview of different approaches to critical realism, Lonergan's epistemology is outlined, and parallels drawn with the thought of Bhaskar. The congruence of Lonergan's philosophy with modern science and its openness to the transcendent are then explored, along with the concept of emergent probability. Finally, the distinctive features of Lonergan's approach are discussed.