WOF 521: The Philosophical Habit (9 of 12)

Bishop Barron concludes his lecture series on John Henry Newman's idea of a university by exploring the relationship between knowledge, the philosophical habit, and religion, particularly the life of grace. He posits that while a liberal education can elevate one beyond sensuality and refine moral sensibilities, it also carries the risk of reducing spiritual realities to a natural level, using conscience as an example. Drawing on Aquinas and Pascal, Barron explains how philosophical contemplation can lead one "halfway to heaven" by transcending the material world. Ultimately, Newman suggests the aim of a university is to produce a "gentleman"—balanced, tolerant, and comfortable—but cautions that sanctity transcends this natural attainment, as saints often disrupt comfort to witness the supernatural.