The Idea of a University

To what extent could Newman’s arguments for the place of theology be used to defend other fields of study in education? Could they, for instance, be used to argue against cutting music programs from local schools? Why or why not?

Examine the way Newman describes the environment of a university campus in the beginning of Part 1, Chapter 5 (see especially page 76). How does this compare to the environment of colleges and universities today?

Why does Newman think that intellectual formation for its own sake is more important than learning professional skills? Do you agree?

Newman’s Catholic faith is central to his vision of religion’s place in the university. Does that vision only work with Roman Catholicism, or would other denominational or religious affiliations fit just as well as the cornerstone of a Newman-style university?

Assess Newman’s definition of literature (especially as presented in Part 2, Chapter 2). Is there anything you would add, remove, or modify?

Consider Newman’s arguments for studying the classics of Greco-Roman civilization as a core part of a university education. Are those arguments still valid? Are there other fields of study that would produce the same results in the intellectual formation of students?

Compare Newman’s caricatures of tutoring in Part 2, Chapter 4 with the methods of education you have experienced. What are the strengths and weaknesses of each method?

Evaluate Newman’s understanding of the relationship between science and religion. That relationship has played out for many decades since Newman detailed his perspective on the matter. Do you think his perspective has held true? In what ways might a scientist or a theologian today want to modify Newman’s position?