John Henry Newman: The Idea of a University

Abstract

The Idea of a University by John Henry Newman is a collection of two books, derived from a variety of source materials, that are famous for their interrogation of three primary themes pertaining to university life: 1) the nature of knowledge; 2) the role of religious belief in higher education; and 3) a defense of liberal education for university students. Ultimately, Newman makes a twofold argument concerning the nature of education for students. First, he passionately defends a liberal education that prizes the development of individual intellect over institutional measurement and narrowly-defined skill development. Second, he argues for potential of the university to bring together diverse perspectives and areas of expertise in service of greater understanding.