Book excerpt: Drawing from the inaugural Newman-Scotus Symposium, this edited volume presents principles that converge with striking similarities in the thought patterns of Bl. John Duns Scotus and Bl. John Henry Newman. With contributions from prominent philosophers and theologians, this book argues in detail that Newman was overall sympathetic to many of the major themes characteristic of Scotus’ metaphysics, and furthermore would be cautious about simply substituting historical dimensions and new hermeneutics for a sound metaphysical approach. The more metaphysical approach of Scotus uncovers the implicit notional foundations of Newman’s thought, while the more phenomenological style of Newman assists the reader in grasping the realism and profound spirituality lying behind the more abstract presentation of Scotus. Topics range from the Franciscan-Scotistic motive of the Incarnation, the Scotistic position of sacramental theology, to intuition and certitude, scientific form and real assent, uncoupling Scotus from Kant, the will as the power to self-determine as the essential characteristic of the will, with love as its object, and its relationship to the intellect as moved by its object, the truth, and more. Features of this edited work include: A unique text that offers connections and contexts between Newman and Scotus, including a genuine unity of approach and substantially identical convictions concerning the nature of theology and how to conduct it Contributions from prominent philosophers and theologians such as John T. Ford, Timothy P. Noone, Cyril O’Regan, Peter D. Fehlner, Olivier Boulnois, Edward J. Ondrako, Bishop Geoffrey Rowell, Mary Beth Ingham, Patricia Hutchison, and Robert C. Christie, and includes the first hand account from Deacon Jack Sullivan of the miracle that led to Newman’s beatification End of chapter study questions This book is intended for upper level undergraduate and graduate students, professors, and interested persons intuiting modern sensitivity to freedom in its relationship to the will and intellect. Scotus and Newman provide an indispensable basis for grasping the profound insights of the Church in the Modern World (Gaudium et Spes).