Augustine

Definition

Augustine, also known as Saint Augustine of Hippo, was an early Christian theologian and philosopher whose writings significantly influenced Western Christianity and philosophy. His thoughts on issues like free will, the nature of God, and the relationship between faith and reason provide a critical lens through which to critique and interpret Plato's philosophy, especially in regard to metaphysics and ethics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Augustine lived from 354 to 430 AD and was originally influenced by Manichaeism before converting to Christianity.
2. His work 'Confessions' is one of the first autobiographies in Western literature, detailing his spiritual journey and philosophical reflections.
3. Augustine's concept of 'Divine Illumination' suggests that knowledge comes from God, challenging Plato’s theory of innate ideas.
4. He argued against Pelagianism, asserting that grace is essential for salvation, thereby critiquing Plato’s emphasis on reason and self-reliance.
5. Augustine's thoughts laid the groundwork for later medieval philosophy, especially in reconciling faith with reason.

Review Questions

• How did Augustine's views on free will differ from those presented in Plato's works?
  • Augustine believed that free will is essential for moral responsibility, asserting that individuals have the capacity to choose good or evil. While Plato acknowledged the role of reason in decision-making, he emphasized knowledge as essential for virtue. Augustine argued that without divine grace, humans are inclined to sin, highlighting a more complex view of free will compared to Plato's idealistic perspective that centers on rational knowledge leading to virtuous action.
• In what ways did Augustine reinterpret Platonic ideals in his theological framework?
  • Augustine reinterpreted Platonic ideals by integrating them with Christian theology. He accepted Plato's concept of eternal Forms but placed them within a Christian context, arguing that these Forms exist in the mind of God. This led him to view the material world as a reflection of divine reality rather than a distraction from it. His ideas about the ultimate purpose of life shifted from seeking knowledge and virtue alone to seeking communion with God through faith.
• Evaluate Augustine's critique of Plato's ethics in light of his doctrine of Original Sin and its implications for human nature.
  • Augustine's critique of Plato's ethics centers around the concept of Original Sin, which posits that humanity is inherently flawed and unable to achieve true goodness without divine intervention. This fundamentally challenges Plato’s assertion that knowledge leads to virtue since Augustine believed that even with knowledge, individuals are still bound by sin. He emphasized that grace is necessary for moral action, arguing that Plato’s reliance on human reason neglects the significant impact of sin on human nature, thus reshaping ethical discussions in both philosophy and theology.

Related terms

Neoplatonism: A philosophical system that emerged in the 3rd century AD, Neoplatonism reinterprets Platonic ideas through a mystical lens, emphasizing the existence of a single source of reality from which all existence emanates.

City of God: A seminal work by Augustine that contrasts the earthly city with the city of God, exploring themes of divine providence and the nature of human society.

Original Sin: A Christian doctrine proposed by Augustine, which states that humanity is fundamentally flawed due to the sin of Adam and Eve, affecting all descendants.