Set in the magnificent venue of Newman House, this course delivered by Dr. Angleo Bottone (UCD Newman Centre) delves into the philosophical of John Henry Newman, with a special emphasis on his seminal works "The Grammar of Assent" and "The Idea of a University". "The Grammar of Assent" explores the nature of belief and the processes by which individuals come to assent to religious truths, positioning it as a central piece for understanding Newman's approach to faith and reason. We will critically analyse how Newman differentiates between notional assent and real assent, and how this distinction influences the relationship between intellect and emotion in the formation of beliefs.
Throughout the course, students will engage with Newman's ideas on the role of conscience and the evidential basis of religious belief, comparing his views with other contemporary thinkers. The course will also cover Newman's "The Idea of a University," providing a broader context of his thoughts on education and its role in intellectual and moral development.
Through a combination of lectures, guided readings, and discussions, students will explore how Newman's theories can be applied to contemporary issues in philosophy of religion and educational theory.
The seminars take place from 11:00-13:00 on the following dates (all Mondays): 26 Jan, 9 Feb, 16 Feb, 23 Feb, 2 Mar, 9 Mar, 16 Mar, 23 Mar.
Dr. Angelo Bottone is a philosophy lecturer at University College Dublin and Dublin Business School. He holds a Ph.D. in philosophy from University College Dublin. His research focuses on John Henry Newman, Paul Ricoeur, and Ludwig Wittgenstein.
For more information and to book a place on the seminar series, please see here.
