The Idea of a University

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Since its publication almost 150 years ago, The Idea of a University has had an extraordinary influence on the shaping and goals of higher education. The issues that John Henry Newman raised--the place of religion and moral values in the university setting, the competing claims of liberal and professional education, the character of the academic community, the cultural role of literature, the relation of religion and science--have provoked discussion from Newman's time to our own. This edition of The Idea of a University includes the full text of "University Teaching" and four selections from "University Subjects," together with five essays by leading scholars that explore the background and the present day relevance of Newman's themes. In the essays Martha Garland discusses the character and organization of the early nineteenth-century English universities upon which Newman based much of his vision; Frank M. Turner traces the impact of Newman's influence during the vast expansion of higher education since World War II; George Marsden investigates how the decreasing emphasis on religion has affected higher education; Sara Castro Klaren examines the implications of Newman's views on education and literature for current debates between proponents of a curriculum based on western civilization and one based on multiculturalism; and George Landow considers what the advent of electronic communication will mean to university teaching, research, and community. To aid accessibility, the edition also includes an analytical table of contents, a chronology and biographical sketch of Newman's life, questions for discussion, expanded notes, and a glossary of names, all of which will help make this the standard teaching text for Newman's work.

📖 Summary

John Henry Cardinal Newman's enduring classic, presented in this comprehensive 1996 edition spanning 403 pages, offers a profound exploration of the philosophy, goals, and nature of higher education. Originally taking shape nearly a century and a half ago, the core text of this volume—featuring the complete text of University Teaching alongside selections from University Subjects—addresses foundational questions that continue to resonate within academic communities today. Newman tackles the intricate balance between liberal and professional education, pondering whether a university should primarily train individuals for specific careers or cultivate a broader, more philosophical habit of mind. He investigates the essential place of religion and moral values within the university setting, offering a vision where spiritual inquiry and secular knowledge are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary facets of a holistic pursuit of truth. Furthermore, the book examines the cultural role of literature, the character of the academic community, and the dynamic relationship between religion and science. To bridge the gap between historical context and contemporary application, this specific edition enriches Newman's original lectures by incorporating five insightful essays by leading scholars, including Martha Garland, which explore the background and present-day relevance of Newman's timeless themes. Readers are invited to reflect upon what constitutes a genuine education, moving beyond mere accumulation of facts to the formation of intellect, character, and philosophical breadth. Whether considering the role of theology in a secular world or the perpetual tension between utilitarian job training and the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake, Newman's work remains a vital touchstone for educators, students, and anyone deeply invested in the mission and future of the university.

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