The Idea of A University

What is a university? Is it a place where we get the skills for a job? A place of learning? Or is it where we gain knowledge for knowledge's sake? John Henry Newman says yes and no, and goes on to argue that it is more. The whole purpose of education is to tame the appetites, uplift the soul, and seek Heaven, for man is naturally inclined to seek God. Find Him, and life becomes meaningful.

In ten discourses and ten lectures, Newman argues that the summit of knowledge is gained in the study of theology. Every other branch of knowledge answers "how"; theology answers "why." With the fluidity that only a master of the English language can muster, he emphasizes that theology is attainable by all. It is a reasonable science; equal, if not superior, to the exact sciences. Biologists understand the inner workings of organic structures, and may come to understand the beauty of natural things; but to gain an insight into the order of Creation, he needs faith--the kind of faith that is approached through reason.

This new edition includes information on the writers, scholars, and works mentioned or quoted by Newman. Translations are provided where he cites them in their original language, explanations given of certain philosophical or archaic terms. Readers may better understand the arguments the author makes with the annotations provided.