The Lonergan Reader: Chapter 2: Definition, Higher Viewpoints, Inverse Insights

Definitions
Lonergan uses the definition of a circle to give examples of insight. In addition, he speaks about clues from the definition. He asks the question, why is the wheel round? First observation, "points and lines cannot be imagined." Second observation, points and lines are "concepts." Third observation, insight requires the image. Fourth observation, "adverts back to the question." What causes the why to emerge? "It is that tension, that drive, that desire to understand, that constitutes the primordial why?" (53) The primordial drive is the "pure question" (54). It is before any insights; any concepts are formulated. Aristotle said wonder is the "beginning of all science and philosophy" (54). Lonergan says that we do not just wonder; instead, we wonder "about something."

Fifth observation, there are different moments in the development of a definition. man asks questions. The first moment we become aware of our intelligence. Second moment, we get a hint, a suggestion, a clue. Third moment is the process. Fourth moment is the achievement.

Sixth, not all definitions are alike. Nominal and explanatory definitions.

Seventh observation is the puzzle of primitive terms. "Every definition presupposes other terms."

A last observation introduces the idea of "implicit" definition.

Higher Viewpoints

The next step is to "analyze development." Single insights can occur in isolation or "in related fields." In the latter, they "combine, cluster, coalesce, into the mastery of a subject" (57). They can be applied in various circumstances. Insights build upon each other. New insights improve on previous insights. "Broader and more accurate applications becomes possible." What emerges is a higher viewpoint.

Lonergan provides different examples from mathematics. In describing the higher viewpoints that emerge in math, he introduces the use of symbols.

The Significance of Symbolism

Symbolism can provide the "relevant image." It can stand as part of the problem to be solved. It is used as a heuristic technique. It offers hints, clues, and suggestions.

Inverse Insights

"But while direct insight meets the spontaneous effort of intelligence to understand, inverse insight responds to a more subtle and critical attitude that distinguishes different degrees or levels or kinds of intelligibility" (64). They are relatively rare.

Lonergan summarizes the contents of chapter 2: "What alone is essential is insight into insight. Hence the incidentals includes (1) the particular insights chosen as examples, (2) the formulation of these insights, and (3) the images evoked by the formulation." We have the example of Archimedes, the example of the circle which is the act of defining and asking why the act provides insight. We can use our own examples do accomplish the same goals.