Contextualizing Lonergan’s Generalized Empirical Method to Uganda’s Curriculum Ideals
Abstract
In his theory of cognition, Bernard Lonergan developed a method of knowing. He claims that knowing starts from the subject’s intentionality to the elaboration of the cognitional structure, which is explained in his Generalized Empirical Method (GEM). The method of knowing provides a deeper way of understanding oneself and values systems that can be integrated into any education system to enhance our ability to live authentic lives. It is transcendental or metaphysical in nature as it distinguishes the practical application of intentionality and relates them to unrestricted horizon of human inquiries. The method demands that we inquire the foundation of knowledge in order to avoid dogmatism in judgments. It other words, it is the method which emphasizes that learning fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and continuity of human inquiries to shape the educational policy. Thus, the transcendental method is an approach to learning which provides not only the everyday common sense knowing, but also the specialized methods of learning, which are needed to advance the various academic disciplines.