WOF 525: The Illative Sense (11 of 12)

WOF 525: The Illative Sense (11 of 12)

January 19, 2026 · 22 min

About this episode

Bishop Barron explores Newman's analysis of the Illative Sense, emphasizing its role in religious conversion and the nature of certainty.

Since the mind can infer truths of which it does not have certainty, what judges the validity of an inference in concrete matters? The Illative Sense. It is the power of judging and concluding when not having apodictic certainty. Bishop Barron explores Newman's analysis of the Illative Sense, explaining why it is an essential element in religious conversion. Topics Covered: The Illative Sense The nature of certainty Formal Inference Informal Inference Links: Read: The Illative Sense (from the Grammar of Assent) Video: The Personalist Spirit of Newman's Thought Video: The Freedom of Truth: The Nature of Conscience in Aquinas and Newman Book: Communities of Informed Judgement Word on Fire Institute: https://institute.wordonfire.org/ NOTE: Do you like this podcast? Become a Word on Fire IGNITE member ! Word on Fire is a non-profit ministry that depends on the support of our listeners . . . like you! So become a part of this mission and join IGNITE today to become a Word on Fire insider and receive some special donor gifts for your generosity.

People in this episode

Host: Bishop Robert Barron

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Word on Fire Institute

Books & works: The Illative Sense, Grammar of Assent, The Personalist Spirit of Newman's Thought, The Freedom of Truth: The Nature of Conscience in Aquinas and Newman, Communities of Informed Judgement

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