Philosophy Department

The Philosophy of Augustine
(PHEU 3558)

Robert O'Brien

Augustine was the most powerful mind and prolific author of the early Middle Ages whose impact on subsequent Christianity and religious thought was so enormous that it reigned unchallenged in the formation of the Christian mind until the 13th century and even reverberates to our day. After placing him within his historical context intellectually, ecclesiastically, and even politically we shall concentrate on three of his major works of most philosophical import: the 'Confessions"--the first autobiography and exposure of unfolding interior life, still a classic today; "On Free Choice of the Will"--first to single out the importance of the will in one's life and to grapple with the challenge of freedom in the light of human evil and God's goodness; "The City of God"--precursor to all philosophies of history as it deals with the corporate destiny of the community of man. So three major themes: the person, his freedom and his history in his time and ours.