Overview

Insight Studies emphasizes the importance of understanding the operations that generate and verify the knowledge we rely on in our daily lives. Grounded in the philosophy of Bernard Lonergan, the book employs a practice-based approach similar to learning a musical instrument, fostering critical thinking skills through engaging learning modules. The book features modules that include puzzles with detailed instructions to help learners focus on their own cognitive processes and operations of knowing. This approach broadens the scope of critical thinking to encompass the operations of questioning, understanding, verifying, valuing, and cooperating. Each chapter illustrates the relevance of these skills across various fields, including ethics, conflict resolution, psychology, sociology, philosophy, politics, and personal relationships. can be adapted for in-class, online, or self-directed learning. Designed to be learner friendly, this book equips readers with transformative skills that are applicable to everyday life.

Full Product Details

Author:   Kenneth Melchin
Publisher:   University of Toronto Press
Imprint:   University of Toronto Press
Dimensions:   Width: 15.90cm , Height: 1.30cm , Length: 23.50cm
Weight:   0.340kg
ISBN:  

9781487566104

ISBN 10:   1487566107
Pages:   128
Publication Date:   22 August 2025
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Professional and scholarly ,  Tertiary & Higher Education ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  
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Table of Contents

Preface 1. Introduction to Insight Studies Insight Studies: What Kind of Organism Am I? Self-Knowledge, Relationships, and Democracies Self-Knowledge and Critical Thinking A Practice-Based Approach Outline of the Chapters and Learning Modules 2. Getting Started: Practice Modules 1–3 Selecting Puzzles that are Right for You Module 1: Establishing a Daily Routine of Puzzle Solving Module 2: A Special Procedure for Puzzle Solving Excursus: Introducing Self-Knowing Module 3: Focusing on Your Mind’s Operations Applying the Skills 3. Identifying the Operations: Practice Modules 4–6 Module 4: Differentiating Groups of Operations Excursus: Some Observations on the Skill Development Process Excursus: Introducing the Theory of Knowing Module 5: Identifying the Operation of Direct Insight Module 6: Identifying the Operation of Judgment Applying the Skills 4. Feelings, Values, and Decisions: Practice Modules 7–9 Module 7: Identifying Feelings and Values Excursus: Revisiting the Theory of Knowing Module 8: Feelings, Values, and Decisions Module 9: Observing an Inner Normativity Applying the Skills 5. Applications Ethics and Discernment Conflict and Insight Sociology and Everyday Arguments Psychology and Problem Solving Philosophy and Self-Possession Politics and Spirituality Concluding Reflections 6. Afterword Appendix Notes Bibliography Index

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Author Information

Kenneth R. Melchin is a professor emeritus in Theology and director of the Lonergan Centre at Saint Paul University.

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