VALUES EDUCATION AND SELF-ESTEEM

Generalized Empirical Method (GEM), the innate constitutionally determ ined process for knowing and valuing as described by Bernard Lonergan is explored in terms of its implications for values education. Further , the self-appropriation (objectification) of GEM is identified as a p rocess that reveals the criteria for self-esteem to be those associate d with a personal commitment to fulfill the self-transcending mandates of GEM: i.e. to be attentive, to be understanding, to be critically r eflective and to be responsible. It is suggested that programming for values education and self-esteem arc typically not grounded in GEM's c onstitutionally designed process and therefore lack the integration af forded by this critical dimension. It is recommended that the synthesi s of values education programs be systematized around the mandates of GEM and their derivative grounding links to the criteria for self este em. Suggestions are offered for facilitating this synthesis.