Augustine’s Critique of Academic Skepticism and Pursuit of Happiness
Topic: The Case Against Scholars
Definitions
- Dissertations: Written lessons or lectures reasoning carefully and methodically on any subject to expose or refute opinions.
- Academics: Refers to the Platonic academy students, later influenced by various philosophical doctrines.
- Sage: An individual with critical knowledge of what is permanent (i.e., God), possessing truth and knowing how to reach happiness. Seeing God or the Good brings happiness.
Formal Context
The fragment to comment belongs to the second chapter of Augustine’s De Beata Vita, written in 386 AD during his youth, shortly after his conversion to Christianity (influenced by his tutor, Bishop Ambrose of Milan), while on the outskirts of Milan with his son, mother, and some friends.
Textual Context
Augustine’s work is divided into several chapters. We are in Chapter 2, which can be further divided. The first part discusses the composition of body and soul. The second discusses nourishment for both. The third addresses happiness. The fourth presents an argument against skeptics. Our fragment is in this fourth part, discussing academics and how they are not wise because they are not happy.
Explanation
First, Augustine states that those who do not have what they want are not happy. He clarifies that lacking one’s desires leads to unhappiness. Second, his friend rhetorically asks if academics aim to find truth. Augustine acknowledges their skeptical trends but notes their research for knowledge. Finally, he asserts that the sage is happy, using irony to pressure his friend to respond, as a wise person, according to Augustine, is necessarily happy.
Happiness in the Work
The principal subject is happiness, seen as possessing one’s desires at a convenient time. This convenience, for Augustine, is eternal and permanent; otherwise, one would fear losing these assets and thus not be happy. Augustine identifies God as the only permanent entity. Material goods can also bring happiness, but in moderation, through virtue, a Stoic concept. Augustine integrates these ideas by stating that wisdom and knowledge lead to God. The concept of what should or should not be is objective: only the permanent is convenient. Possessing it brings eternal happiness, a state of harmony and rest. According to Augustine, anyone can achieve happiness through faith, which is a product of will, not fortune. Knowing God allows one to attain faith.
Author’s Philosophy
Academics seek truth but, due to their skepticism, believe it’s impossible to find. Thus, they are unhappy because they lack what they desire. Augustine argues that every wise person is necessarily happy. Scholars, as skeptics, cannot be happy or wise. Augustine defines wisdom as possessing truth, i.e., God. There are three ways to possess God: living well (either through restrained living or loving God and neighbor), doing God’s will (following the 10 commandments), and having a clean soul. Augustine gives equal weight to these paths to knowing God, which leads to happiness.
Historical Context
Stoicism is a major influence on Augustine, particularly its emphasis on virtue and happiness through moderation. Neoplatonism also influences him, emphasizing contemplation of the One (God for Augustine). Both Augustine and Plato define happiness as a static, permanent state of harmony. However, Plato believes only the best can achieve happiness, while Augustine believes anyone can through will. Skepticism is a negative influence, which Augustine refutes by arguing that skeptics cannot become wise because they are never happy. He references academics and Pyrrhonists, radical skeptics who reject the desire to know.
Critical Assessment
Augustine firmly believes that happiness comes from being Christian, introspection, and God’s grace, achieved through the soul (though he mentioned this after De Beata Vita). Today’s society is largely secular, valuing money and property. Applying Augustinian ideals, we find some compatibility despite apparent differences. Many Westerners are baptized, and while Augustine’s rejection of materialism may not be popular, many are drawn to inner quests, even if just as a precaution. Given the prevalence of materialism, the offer of eternal happiness and fulfillment in paradise may be appealing.