St. Augustine

Definition

St. Augustine was an early Christian theologian and philosopher whose writings profoundly influenced Western Christianity and philosophy. His thoughts on morality, the nature of God, and the relationship between faith and reason laid the foundation for Just War Theory, emphasizing the ethical considerations of warfare and the conditions under which it can be morally justified.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. St. Augustine's major work, 'The City of God', was written in response to the fall of Rome in 410 AD, defending Christianity against accusations that it led to the city's decline.
2. He articulated principles such as proportionality and discrimination in warfare, which are central to Just War Theory.
3. Augustine believed that wars could be justified if waged for a good cause, such as restoring peace or protecting innocent lives.
4. His concept of 'just cause' is foundational for determining when a war is morally acceptable, emphasizing that intentions matter significantly.
5. Augustine's thoughts on human nature and divine grace shaped his views on warfare, asserting that even just wars are tainted by human sinfulness.

Review Questions

• How did St. Augustine's views influence the development of Just War Theory?
  • St. Augustine's writings laid essential groundwork for Just War Theory by emphasizing moral considerations in warfare. He introduced key concepts like just cause, proportionality, and discrimination, arguing that wars should only be fought for morally sound reasons. His perspective highlighted that while war is a consequence of human sin, it could still be justified under certain conditions, thus shaping future ethical discussions about military conflict.
• Discuss how Augustine's concept of Original Sin impacts his views on morality and warfare.
  • Augustine's belief in Original Sin suggests that all humans are inherently flawed and prone to sinfulness. This perspective influences his views on morality by underscoring that even just wars can be affected by human imperfections. Thus, he argues that while warfare may be justified under specific circumstances, it remains tainted by the potential for injustice due to humanity's sinful nature, necessitating careful ethical considerations.
• Evaluate the relevance of St. Augustine's ideas in contemporary discussions about military ethics.
  • St. Augustine's ideas remain highly relevant in today's discussions about military ethics as they provide a moral framework for evaluating warfare. His principles of just cause and proportionality continue to inform modern justifications for military action and highlight the importance of intention behind war efforts. Moreover, his acknowledgment of human fallibility serves as a reminder of the ethical complexities inherent in warfare, encouraging ongoing debates about how to approach conflict in a morally responsible manner.

Related terms

Just War Theory:

A doctrine that outlines the justifiable reasons for going to war and the ethical conduct during war, focusing on justice and moral reasoning.

Original Sin: The Christian doctrine that humanity inherits a fallen nature due to the first sin committed by Adam and Eve, impacting Augustine's views on morality and human behavior.

City of God: A seminal work by St. Augustine that argues for the superiority of the spiritual realm over earthly kingdoms, influencing thoughts on governance and moral philosophy.