PL 740.01 The Philosophy of St. Augustine

Prerequisite: Some introductory courses in philosophy. No knowledge of Latin required.

This course will examine Augustine's philosophical insights and reflections on his experience as seen in his Confessions and some of his political philosophy as seen in The City of God and a few other works. We will also read three of his early works: Against the Academics, Concerning the Teacher, and On Free Choice of the Will. The stress will be on reading the texts themselves and seeing Augustine's thought in the context of his life. There will be some consideration of the philosophical influences on Augustine and his influence on later ages.

Texts: Augustine, Against the Academics and The Teacher; The city of God; The Confessions; On Free Choice of the Will; Political Writings of St. Augustine; Peter Brown, Augustine of Hippo

Gerard O'Brien, S.J.
Last Updated: 9/2/2003