Life, works and Philosophy of

Augustine of Hippo

Submitted to:
Mrs. Jiji Abadiano
Teacher

Submitted by:
Rosalisa C Sadiasa
12 – Nehemiah

October,2023
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

I.INTRODUCTION 1

II.BODY 2

A.LIFE 2

B.WORKS 3

C.PHILOSOPY 4

III.CONCLUSION 5

IV.REFERENCES 6
 1

I.INTRODUCTION
Augustine of Hippo, a towering figure in the history of philosophy
and theology, stands as a luminary whose profound intellect and
spiritual insights continue to influence contemporary thought. Born in
the North African city of Thagaste in 354 CE, Augustine's journey
from youthful wanderings to esteemed philosopher and influential
bishop shaped the course of Western philosophy and Christianity. His
extensive works, characterized by a blend of classical philosophy, Christian doctrine, and
personal reflection, have left an indelible mark on both religious and philosophical realms.

In this exploration, we delve into the life, works, and philosophy of Augustine, examining the
profound impact of his writings and the evolution of his beliefs. Augustine's philosophical
journey is a compelling narrative that not only mirrors the development of early Christian
thought but also engages with timeless questions about human nature, free will, ethics, and the
relationship between faith and reason.

Throughout history, scholars and thinkers have grappled with Augustine's rich corpus of
writings, engaging in discourse to interpret and integrate his ideas into the fabric of modern
thought. This paper seeks to unravel the layers of Augustine's life, critically analyze his
significant works, and elucidate the essence of his philosophical beliefs. Through this
exploration, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of Augustine's enduring
influence and enduring relevance in the realm of philosophy and theology.

II.BODY
 2

A.LIFE

Augustine of Hippo, also known as Saint Augustine, was a prominent Christian theologian and
philosopher whose life and teachings left an indelible mark on both Christianity and philosophy.
Born on November 13, 354 CE, in the small town of Thagaste, which is now present-day Souk
Ahras, Algeria, Augustine grew up in a humble household. His father, Patricius, was a pagan,
and his mother, Monica, was a devout Christian, a factor that played a significant role in his
religious journey.

Augustine's early years were marked by a thirst for knowledge and an insatiable curiosity about
the world. At the age of 16, he traveled to Carthage to pursue higher education, where he
engaged with various philosophical and literary traditions, including Manichaeism, a faith that
heavily influenced him during this period. In his youth, Augustine grappled with moral
challenges and navigated a period of spiritual exploration, characterized by questioning and
seeking.

Eventually, he moved to Rome and later to Milan, where he encountered the teachings of Saint
Ambrose, a bishop and prominent figure in the early Christian Church. Ambrose's influence
played a pivotal role in Augustine's conversion to Christianity, leading him to embrace the
Christian faith in 386 CE. Following his conversion, Augustine was baptized by Ambrose in
Milan.

After his conversion, Augustine pursued a life dedicated to Christianity and scholarship. He
became a bishop and, in 396 CE, was appointed as the Bishop of Hippo Regius (modern-day
Annaba, Algeria), where he spent the remainder of his life. As a bishop, Augustine was deeply
involved in the theological debates of his time, defending Christian orthodoxy and engaging with
various philosophical and theological ideas.

Augustine's journey from a young seeker of knowledge to a profound Christian philosopher and
theologian showcases his evolution and the transformative power of faith. His writings, such as
"Confessions" and "The City of God," not only reflect his personal experiences and theological
insights but also provide invaluable historical and philosophical perspectives that continue to
resonate with contemporary thought.

B.WORKS
 3

Augustine of Hippo's literary corpus is extensive and influential, encompassing theological

treatises, philosophical reflections, biblical commentaries, and autobiographical works. His
writings are central to understanding early Christian theology and have profoundly impacted
Western philosophy and Christian doctrine.

1. "Confessions" (Confessiones): "Confessions" is Augustine's autobiographical work,

considered a seminal text in Western literature. In this introspective account, he
chronicles his spiritual journey, exploring his conversion to Christianity and reflecting on
his early life, struggles, and intellectual evolution. The book delves into profound
philosophical and theological questions, including the nature of God, the concept of evil,
and the human search for truth and meaning.
2. "City of God" (De Civitate Dei): Perhaps Augustine's most influential work, "City of
God," is a monumental treatise that addresses the fall of Rome and the Christian response
to adversity. Augustine contrasts the earthly "City of Man" with the divine "City of God,"
examining the nature of the state, politics, justice, and the relationship between the
earthly and the spiritual realms. This work profoundly shaped Christian political
philosophy.
3. "On Christian Doctrine" (De Doctrina Christiana): In this work, Augustine explores
the principles of interpretation and hermeneutics necessary for understanding and
conveying the Christian Scriptures. He discusses the use of rhetoric and the role of
knowledge in effectively interpreting and communicating Christian teachings.
4. "The Confessions of Saint Augustine" (Confessionum libri XIII): As a continuation
of "Confessions," this work comprises thirteen books where Augustine delves deeper into
his spiritual and intellectual odyssey. He reflects on themes of time, memory, and the
human experience, offering profound philosophical insights.
5. "On Free Choice of the Will" (De libero arbitrio): In this philosophical dialogue,
Augustine grapples with the concept of free will and its implications for moral
responsibility and divine foreknowledge. He explores the tension between human
freedom and God's omniscience.

C.PHILOSOPY
 4

Augustine of Hippo's philosophy is a profound synthesis of Christian theology and Neoplatonic

thought, influencing the development of Western philosophy and profoundly shaping Christian
doctrine. His philosophical inquiries addressed a wide array of topics, from metaphysics to
epistemology and ethics. Here are some of the key concepts and beliefs that constitute
Augustine's philosophical contributions:

1. Metaphysical Views and Epistemology:

Augustine's understanding of reality was deeply influenced by Neoplatonic philosophy.

He believed in the existence of an eternal, unchanging realm of Forms or Ideas, which
served as the basis of all reality. Augustine argued that true knowledge and understanding
could only be obtained through a direct connection with the divine, as opposed to relying
solely on sensory experiences.

2. Doctrine of God:

Augustine's concept of God was deeply rooted in Christian theology. He believed in a

timeless, eternal, and immutable God who is the ultimate source of all being and
goodness. Augustine's understanding of God was influenced by a combination of biblical
teachings and philosophical inquiries, leading to the formulation of the doctrine of the
Trinity.

3. Original Sin and Human Nature:

Augustine's doctrine of original sin posited that all humans inherit a sinful nature due to
the transgressions of Adam and Eve. This belief profoundly impacted his understanding
of human nature, free will, and moral responsibility. Augustine contended that humanity's
inclination towards sin required divine grace for redemption and moral transformation.

4. Free Will and Predestination:

Augustine grappled with the tension between human free will and God's predestination.
He emphasized the importance of God's grace in enabling individuals to choose the path
of righteousness while also asserting God's omniscience and predetermination of events.
Augustine's nuanced views aimed to reconcile human agency with divine sovereignty.

5. The Problem of Evil and Theodicy:

Augustine addressed the age-old philosophical problem of evil, attempting to reconcile

the existence of evil with an omnipotent and benevolent God. He argued that evil is the
absence or distortion of good and is a result of humans misusing their free will.
Augustine's theodicy sought to provide a rational framework for understanding the
presence of evil in a divinely ordered universe.

III.CONCLUSION
 5

Augustine of Hippo's philosophy is a profound synthesis of Christian theology and Neoplatonic thought,
influencing the development of Western philosophy and profoundly shaping Christian doctrine. His
philosophical inquiries addressed a wide array of topics, from metaphysics to epistemology and ethics.
Here are some of the key concepts and beliefs that constitute Augustine's philosophical contributions:

1. Metaphysical Views and Epistemology:

Augustine's understanding of reality was deeply influenced by Neoplatonic philosophy.

He believed in the existence of an eternal, unchanging realm of Forms or Ideas, which
served as the basis of all reality. Augustine argued that true knowledge and understanding
could only be obtained through a direct connection with the divine, as opposed to relying
solely on sensory experiences.

2. Doctrine of God:

Augustine's concept of God was deeply rooted in Christian theology. He believed in a

timeless, eternal, and immutable God who is the ultimate source of all being and
goodness. Augustine's understanding of God was influenced by a combination of biblical
teachings and philosophical inquiries, leading to the formulation of the doctrine of the
Trinity.

3. Original Sin and Human Nature:

Augustine's doctrine of original sin posited that all humans inherit a sinful nature due to
the transgressions of Adam and Eve. This belief profoundly impacted his understanding
of human nature, free will, and moral responsibility. Augustine contended that humanity's
inclination towards sin required divine grace for redemption and moral transformation.

4. Free Will and Predestination:

Augustine grappled with the tension between human free will and God's predestination.
He emphasized the importance of God's grace in enabling individuals to choose the path
of righteousness while also asserting God's omniscience and predetermination of events.
Augustine's nuanced views aimed to reconcile human agency with divine sovereignty.

Augustine of Hippo's philosophical contributions have had a lasting impact on Western

thought, influencing prominent philosophers throughout history. His nuanced exploration
of theological and metaphysical concepts continues to provoke philosophical discourse
and remains an essential foundation for theological and philosophical inquiries.
 6

IV.REFERENCES
APA Style:

Author(s). (Year). Title of the Book. Publisher.

 Augustine, A. (397-426 CE). Confessions.

 Augustine, A. (413-426 CE). The City of God.
 Augustine, A. (396-426 CE). On Christian Doctrine.
 Augustine, A. (c. 397-398 CE). The Confessions of Saint Augustine.
 Augustine, A. (c. 395-396 CE). On Free Choice of the Will.

MLA Style:

Author(s). Title of the Book. Publisher, Year.

 Augustine, Saint. Confessions. 397-426 CE.

 Augustine, Saint. The City of God. 413-426 CE.
 Augustine, Saint. On Christian Doctrine. 396-426 CE.
 Augustine, Saint. The Confessions of Saint Augustine. c. 397-398 CE.
 Augustine, Saint. On Free Choice of the Will. c. 395-396 CE.

Chicago Style:

Author(s). Title of the Book. Publisher, Year.

 Augustine, Saint. Confessions. 397-426 CE.

 Augustine, Saint. The City of God. 413-426 CE.
 Augustine, Saint. On Christian Doctrine. 396-426 CE.
 Augustine, Saint. The Confessions of Saint Augustine. c. 397-398 CE.
 Augustine, Saint. On Free Choice of the Will. c. 395-396 CE.