The Idea of a University
Also known as The Idea of a University Defined and Illustrated, The Idea of a University, Part I: University Teaching
John Henry Newman's Dublin discourses on what a university is for: teaching knowledge as its own end.
At a glance
Key ideas
Teaching universal knowledge, Theology belongs in it, Knowledge its own end …
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- Newman composed the discourses when he was invited to be founding rector of the Catholic University in Dublin.
- Part I, University Teaching, holds nine discourses; Part II collects lectures and essays on university subjects.
- A university, he says, is a place of teaching universal knowledge, so it cannot leave out theology.
- Its object is intellectual, not moral, and liberal knowledge is its own end.
- Such an education forms a lasting habit of mind, but it makes "not the Christian, not the Catholic, but the gentleman".
Why it matters
- It is thought to have become the basis of the British belief that education should produce generalists rather than narrow specialists.
Key facts
- Author
- John Henry Newman1
- Published
- 1852 and 18581
- Dedication
- Dated 21 November 1852, to the friends and benefactors who had helped him through "a great anxiety"2
- Part I
- University Teaching: nine discourses delivered to the Catholics of Dublin2
- Part II
- University Subjects, discussed in occasional lectures and essays2
Key ideas
-
Teaching universal knowledge2
A university is "a place of teaching universal knowledge": its aim is spreading knowledge more than advancing it.
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Theology belongs in it2
Theology is a branch of knowledge, so a university that professes all knowledge cannot exclude it.
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Knowledge its own end2
"Knowledge is capable of being its own end"; any real knowledge is its own reward.
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The philosophical habit2
A liberal education forms a lifelong habit of mind marked by freedom, equitableness, calmness, moderation and wisdom.
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Not a guarantee of virtue2
"Knowledge is one thing, virtue is another": liberal education makes the gentleman, not the Christian.
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