50 pages • 1 hour read
The Idea of a University
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Book Brief
428
Book • Nonfiction
Dublin, Ireland • 1850s
1873
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Idea of a University by John Henry Newman, composed of "University Teaching" and "University Subjects," advocates for the inclusion of theology in university education, emphasizing a universal knowledge model integrating all branches of study. The book discusses classical education and the relationship between science and religion, promoting a harmonious intellectual tradition.
Informative
Contemplative
Inspirational
Serene
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
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Review Roundup
The Idea of a University by John Henry Newman is widely praised for its eloquent defense of liberal education and emphasis on intellectual cultivation. Critics commend its timeless relevance and philosophical depth. However, some find its 19th-century prose dense and challenging. Overall, it remains a seminal, thought-provoking work on educational philosophy.
Who Should Read The Idea of a University?
Potential readers of John Henry Newman's The Idea of a University are those with a keen interest in higher education philosophy, classical education, and the role of a liberal arts education in personal development. Comparable works include Allan Bloom’s The Closing of the American Mind and Cardinal Newman’s Apologia Pro Vita Sua.
868 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Pope Pius IX
Pope Pius IX
The long-serving pope during most of Newman's Catholic life, recognized for defining key dogmatic principles of modern Catholicism, who supported the foundation of the Catholic University of Ireland and influenced Newman's discourse on education. His papacy marked a critical period in Catholic religious history.
428
Book • Nonfiction
Dublin, Ireland • 1850s
1873
Adult
18+ years
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