The author of this volume offers an interesting and original philosophical study in the perspective of the “history of effects”, delving into Newman’s Grammar of Assent with its effect on and development in Lonergan’s Insight. After providing a concise summary of Newman’s biography and religious experiences, the author explores the relationship between assent and apprehension, particularly concerning religious experience in both its real and notional aspects. This examination leads to a discussion of the various types of assent and inference, along with an analysis of their interrelations, ultimately highlighting the originality of Newman’s conception of the “illative sense.” These insights are then placed in dialogue with Bernard Lonergan’s Insight, illustrating how he integrated many of Newman’s ideas into his theological and philosophical framework. The volume precisely enters into the logic of the various arguments, is documented from a bibliographical point of view, and uses comparison with some of the most significant studies on both Newman’s and Lonergan’s thought.

- REV. DR. MAURO MANTOVANI SDB, Prefect of the Vatican Apostolic Library
Former Rettore Magnifico of the Pontifical Salesian University, Rome

Contents

Foreword
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations for the Works of J. H. Newman
Introduction

Chapter 1: Act of Assent in the Life of Newman

1. Doubt, Faith and Truth: A Path to Canonization
2. Cultural Context of Newman
3. Philosophical Background of Newman
4. An Essay in Aid of a Grammar of Assent and its Background

Conclusion

Chapter 2: Assent in Relation to Apprehension

1. The Nature of Assent and Apprehension
2. Assent in Relation to the Modes of Apprehension
3. Assent and Apprehension in Religious Matters

Conclusion

Chapter 3: Assent in Relation to Inference

1. Unconditional Assent and Conditional Inference
2. The Modes of Assent
3. The Modes of Reasoning in Relation to the Modes of Assent
4. Illative Sense in Relation to Conditional Inference and Unconditional Assent

Conclusion

Chapter 4: Effect and Development of Newman’s Grammar of Assent in Lonergan’s Insight

1. Newman’s Grammar Considered as the Catalyst and Foundation for Lonergan’s Early Thought
2. The Conception of Judgement in Lonergan’s Insight
3. The Conception of Judgement in Insight as an Effect of the Grammar
4. Lonergan’s Genuine Development from Newman’s Grammar

Conclusion

General Conclusion

1. Assent as Related to Apprehension and Inference in the Grammar
2. The Productive Effect of Newman’s Grammar in Lonergan’s Insight
3. Scope for Further Investigation

Bibliography

1. Works of Newman (Chronological Order)
2. Works of Bernard Lonergan (Chronological Order)
3. Secondary Sources (Alphabetical Order)

Appendix
Index of Concepts
Index of Authors

Dr. Albert Kumar Savarimuthu, is a Salesian of Don Bosco from the province of Chennai. He holds a Master’s degree in philosophy from Divyadaan: Salesian Institute of Philosophy, Nashik, and a Doctorate in philosophy from the Salesian Pontifical University, Rome. He has contributed numerous articles and book reviews to distinguished philosophical journals and magazines. Additionally, he serves as a visiting faculty member at several philosophical institutes across India and Sri Lanka, including Divyadaan Institute of Philosophy, Nashik, St. Peter’s Pontifical
Institute, Bangalore, Jnanodaya Salesian College, Yercaud, and others. Currently, he is pursuing his advanced studies in fundamental theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome.