The Thomistic Institute Aquinas and Newman on the Pursuit of Wisdom and Happiness – Prof. Jennifer Frey
Nov 17, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Professor Jennifer A. Frey, a leading philosopher from the University of Tulsa, delves into the pursuit of wisdom through the lenses of Thomas Aquinas and John Henry Newman. She critiques the modern university's focus on specialization, likening it to a 'knowledge-production machine' that neglects the humanities. Frey champions Newman's vision of a liberal education, which fosters universal knowledge and promotes human flourishing. She argues that wisdom should guide all disciplines, encouraging students to engage in philosophical inquiry for a meaningful life.
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Universities Reward Output Over Wisdom
- Contemporary universities largely follow the Weberian model, rewarding quantifiable research outputs and specialization.
- This model marginalizes philosophy and the humanities as nonessential curiosities.
Newman: University As Universal Knowledge
- Newman defines a university as devoted to seeking and teaching universal knowledge rather than merely producing research.
- He envisions liberal arts that cultivate habits of mind oriented toward truth and freedom.
Truth As A Unified System
- For Newman, truth is facts and their relations forming one coherent system or universe.
- Understanding facts within that unified whole is central to wisdom and university education.
