St. John Henry Newman navigated the intellectual currents of the Enlightenment by addressing the relationship between faith, reason, and assent. In an era that emphasised empirical evidence and rationalism, Newman explored how individuals come to believe in truths, particularly religious ones, that extend beyond purely logical demonstration. He argued that certitude arises from an assemblage of probabilities, shaped by faith and love, leading to a mental certitude as strong as scientific proof.
Newman emphasised the importance of a broad, liberal education that cultivates intellectual virtue and prepares students for various roles in society. He advocated for theology's inclusion in university studies, not to indoctrinate, but to provide a comprehensive understanding of knowledge and its relationship to faith.
Newman championed the role of freedom in intellectual inquiry. He believed that the human intellect thrives through opposition and rigorous debate, essential for the pursuit of truth. Newman saw the Catholic Church as an arena where authority and private judgment engage in a perpetual, vital duel, fostering intellectual growth
and preventing the stagnation of thought.
-Stephen Woodnutt
