Augustine

Definition

Augustine of Hippo was a Christian theologian and philosopher whose writings significantly shaped Western Christianity and philosophy. He is known for integrating Christian doctrine with Platonic thought, particularly regarding concepts of justice and natural law, making his work essential in understanding the development of these ideas in later Western thought.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Augustine's seminal work, 'The City of God,' explores the relationship between Christianity and political authority, arguing that true justice can only be achieved through divine guidance.
2. He proposed that humans are inherently flawed due to original sin, which affects their ability to achieve true justice on their own without divine intervention.
3. Augustine believed in the existence of a higher moral law that transcends human-made laws, aligning with the concept of natural law.
4. He viewed earthly cities as temporary and flawed, contrasting them with the eternal city of God, which embodies perfect justice and order.
5. Augustine's thoughts on free will emphasize the importance of individual choice in moral responsibility, shaping later discussions on ethics and justice.

Review Questions

• How did Augustine's integration of Platonic thought influence his views on justice and natural law?
  • Augustine integrated Platonic thought by suggesting that true justice is not found in earthly laws but rather in the eternal truths accessible through reason and divine revelation. He believed that human understanding is limited by sin, and therefore, to achieve true justice, individuals must look beyond temporal matters to align with divine law. This connection established a framework for understanding how natural law relates to moral truth and justice.
• In what ways did Augustine's views on original sin impact his understanding of human nature and its relation to justice?
  • Augustine's belief in original sin led him to argue that human nature is fundamentally flawed and unable to attain true justice without divine assistance. He posited that sin distorts human judgment and leads to injustices within society. This view challenges the notion that humans can create a just society purely through their efforts, suggesting instead that divine grace is essential for moral rectitude and justice.
• Critically assess Augustine's distinction between the 'City of God' and the 'Earthly City' in terms of their implications for justice and governance.
  • Augustine's distinction between the 'City of God' and the 'Earthly City' highlights his belief that true justice originates from a divine source rather than human institutions. The 'City of God' represents an ideal realm governed by divine principles where perfect justice prevails, while the 'Earthly City' is marked by human imperfection and moral failures. This critical assessment suggests that Augustine viewed governance as inherently flawed due to its reliance on sinful human beings, advocating for a political structure informed by spiritual values to achieve a more just society.

Related terms

Natural Law:

A moral theory asserting that certain rights and values are inherent in human nature and can be understood through reason.

Justice:

The concept of fairness and moral righteousness that encompasses the principles of equality, virtue, and law.

Platonism:

The philosophical system derived from the ideas of Plato, emphasizing the existence of abstract forms and the importance of reason in understanding reality.