Saint Augustine: Life, Philosophy, and Influence
Early Life and Intellectual Journey
Born in Tagaste in 354, Saint Augustine lived during the era of the Roman Empire’s decline. While some experts classify him within the Middle Ages due to the historical context and his influence on that period, he did not live during this time. At the age of 19, Augustine’s interest in the love of truth led him to become a Manichean in Carthage.
In 374, he opened a school of rhetoric in Carthage and later in Rome, where he met Saint Ambrose. During these years, Saint Augustine encountered Neoplatonism, which introduced him to the concept of an immaterial reality, a notion absent in Manichaeism. Influenced by Christianity, Saint Augustine sought baptism from Saint Ambrose, an event that took place in Milan. In 391, he was ordained a priest, and in 396, he was consecrated Auxiliary Bishop of Hippo.
Major Works
Throughout his life, Saint Augustine wrote several works, which can be categorized as follows:
- Polemical: Against heretics
- Apologetic: In defense of Christianity
- Theological
- Philosophical: Including Civitas Dei (City of God)
- Confessions: A narrative of his life in the form of a confession
- Soliloquies: Dialogues with himself
His most renowned work is undoubtedly Civitas Dei (City of God), written between 413 and 416. In it, he defends Christians against pagan criticisms, presents a conception of society, and reflects on history as the stage for the drama of salvation. This work comprises 22 books; the first 10 refute pagan errors, and the remaining 12 expound the Christian faith.
Philosophical Influences
Saint Augustine was influenced by various philosophical schools, most notably:
- Neoplatonism: Platonic dualism and the utopian dimension of the Republic, reflected in the concept of two cities, significantly influenced Saint Augustine. He adapted Platonic Ideas, viewing them as perfect in God and illuminating the human intellect (divine exemplarism). He also adopted the Neoplatonic theory of evil, positing that God created the world from nothing (creation), and since God created it, it must be good. Evil, therefore, is merely a privation of good, pure negativity.
- Manichaeism: These philosophers posited two metaphysical principles of the universe: good and evil. However, even in his youth, Saint Augustine defended the unity of consciousness. His encounter with Neoplatonism further transformed his thinking.
These two trends were the most influential on Saint Augustine, forming the basis for his own theories and thought, a doctrine that is the fruit of a journey through his works. He also engaged in debates with other schools, such as the Skeptics, who claimed that certain knowledge is impossible, and practical life relies on probability. Saint Augustine countered with the argument of self-consciousness, asserting that even Skeptics are sure of some truths, such as doubting, leading to his famous phrase, “If fallor, sum” (If I err, I am).
Saint Augustine also opposed the ideas of Pelagius, who rejected the doctrine of original sin and argued that each person is responsible for their own actions, with neither good nor evil existing before individual actions.
Historical Context and Legacy
During Saint Augustine’s time, barbarian tribes along the Rhine River sought to enter Rome. He died in Hippo in 430, after the barbarians had entered the city. Eventually, the barbarians entered Rome and deposed Romulus, the last Western Roman Emperor.
Saint Augustine is often considered a figure of medieval philosophy, which is divided into Patristics (the thought of Christian philosophers) and Scholasticism. He is regarded as the most important Patristic thinker and has influenced numerous philosophers, including Saint Anselm of Canterbury, Saint Bonaventure, and Descartes.
His theory of evil had a profound impact on the history of Christianity and was revived in the philosophical and theological discussions of the Protestant Reformation. The Augustinian current dominated the Middle Ages until the 13th century, when Saint Thomas Aquinas, influenced by Aristotle, established a new mainstream of Christian thought. In the modern age, Saint Augustine’s ideas served as a starting point for Descartes’ famous dictum, “I think, therefore I am.”