On November 12, 1851, Blessed John Henry Newman, became the Rector of the newly created Catholic University of Ireland. As he began this work and sought to reach out to the educated and professional Catholics in Dublin, he presented a series of lectures about purpose of Catholic higher education. These lectures became The Idea of a University. They were the fruit of the central concern of his life during his years at Oxford University: the relation between Truth and the University. This book provides some of the most remarkable insights into the character and aims of higher education.
After a brief glossary of Newman’s life and works, Professor Dauphinais will present some of the central theses of The Idea of a University: the role of theology; the difference between liberal education and professional training; the distinction between moral formation and the cultivation of the intellect.
In light of Newman’s key insights, Professor Dauphinais will also present a survey of the contemporary scene of university education in the United States, addressing issues such as the secularization of many Catholic schools, the recent rebirth of faithful Catholic higher education, the impact of relativism, the crisis of purpose, and the reason behind the low rates of employment for college graduates. The goal will be to help participants have a clearer vision about higher education and be able to apply this vision in their own lives and the lives of their families.
Suggested readings: The Idea of a University, Chapter 1 or Chapters 2, 5, 7 (available at www.newmanreader.org).
Michael Dauphinais is Associate Professor and Chair of Theology at Ave Maria University, where he previously served as Dean of Faculty and Vice President of Academic Affairs. He earned an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering at Duke University before switching directions to earn a masters in theological studies at the Duke Divinity School and then a Ph.D. in theology from the University of Notre Dame. He has coauthored Knowing the Love of Christ: An Introduction to the Theology of St. Thomas Aquinas and Holy People, Holy Land: A Catholic Theological Introduction to the Bible.
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