Lonergan’s Mistake

By

Anthony J. Fejfar, B.A., J.D., Esq., Coif

© Copyright 2009 by Anthony J. Fejfar

Bernard Lonergan asserted that we can know reality at 100 accuracy with a

Virtually Unconditioned Judgment fact at Level 3. In fact, at Level 3 only a probable

judgment of fact is possible. 100 percent realty is impossible at Level 3, instead the

highest reality possible is reality at 99.999999999% real probability in the real world.

What happens is that the mind takes the aunitary probable world at 99.999999% and

using autoconsciousness constructs a world of 100% reality.

Now, it is also apparent that Lonergan did not adequately distinguish Level 2

Understanding from Level 3 Judgment and Reflection. In fact, Level 2 Understanding

is primarily rational analytic understanding and Level 3 Judgment and Reflection is not a

rational logical function but instead involves Level 3 Wisdom which is arational and

intuitive. This is what distinguishes level 2 from Level 3.