The practical philosophy and worldview outlined by one of the 20th century's foremost theologians is the subject of Dr. Patrick B. Crean's new book, Science, Self-Knowledge and Spirituality: A Feedback Model of Bernard Lonergan's Philosophy of Human Consciousness (ISBN 978-1-897435-60-1).
This creative, concise book is a perfect primer for those curious about, or challenged by, the works of Bernard J.F. Lonergan, SJ, CC (1904-1984), the Canadian philosopher, theologian and economist best known for his worldview of the universe which brings together science, self-knowledge and spirituality.
Crean not only captures the essence of Lonergan's major works, such as Insight: A Study of Human Understanding (1957) and Method in Theology (1972), he also extends it - through a unique feedback model of human consciousness - providing a practical and life-changing application of Lonergan's thought.
The topic is introduced through the notion of a human spacecraft as a metaphor for human consciousness and what goes on in it, illustrating that to operate such a "vehicle" successfully on its journey through life, one must have a practical grasp of how to make it function properly.
Crean invites others to join him in a compelling inquiry into the nature of their own consciousness and the direction and meaning of their life that will most surely evolve. "Seek and you shall find." But where shall we seek? What shall we find?
An autobiographical account that applies the working model can be found in Crean's accompanying book, Pictures On My Pillow: An Oceanographer's Exploration of the Symbols of Self-Transcendence (ISBN 978-1-897435-61-8).
Making the mind and heart of these books your own will be personally transformative.
"It is clear that this work has a place in the Lonergan canon and would be an invaluable asset to students, scholars and devotees of the discipline... This is not only an erudite disquisition on Lonergan and other philosophical and scientific schools of thought, but also the writing and life work of a man who clearly approached his 'primer' with intelligence, authority, respect and a refreshing humility rarely found in academic scholars." - Gordon Thomas, Thomas Publishing Consulting
"No other follower of Lonergan has moved as Crean the scientist has done in the half-century since, seeking and reaching an integral grip on pilgrim progress. It is a grip that is deeply his own, but an invitation to lonely searchers of our times to take heart in weaving into their own consciousness." - Philip McShane, M.Sc., D.Phil. (Oxon).
"I think this is a splendid piece, lucid and pungent, and accurately reflecting Bernard Lonergan's position." - Hugo Meynell, author of Redirecting Philosophy: Reflections on the Nature of Knowledge from Plato to Lonergan.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Patrick Bernard Crean (1926-2011), born in England, worked for 35 years for the Fisheries Research Board of Canada. He earned a Doctorate in Physical Oceanography through the University of Liverpool.
Dr. Crean's Current Atlas: Juan de Fuca Strait to Strait of Georgia (1983) received the 1986 National Award for Applied Oceanography from the Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society. He co-authored Mathematical Modeling of Tides and Estuarine Circulation (1988).
