title: A theory of health science and the healing arts based on the philosophy of Bernard Lonergan.
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.
authors.affiliation: Togus VAMC, 1 VA Center, Augusta, ME 04330, USA. patrick.daly@med.va.gov
authors.forename: Patrick R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Daly
mesh_terms: D019336:Cognitive Science; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000639:trends; D004194:Disease; D006262:Health; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D019359:Knowledge; D010684:Philosophy; D010686:Philosophy, Medical; D014481:United States; D014947:Wounds and Injuries