Religare - Conhecimento e Religião com Silvia Maria de Contaldo - Bloco 2.mp4

Summary

In this engaging discussion, Professor Silvia Maria de Contaldo, a PhD in Medieval Philosophy, explores the enduring relevance of Saint Augustine's thought, with a focus on his work *Confessions*. Highlighting Augustine's search for inner truth and his existentialist questions, the conversation touches on his reflections on human nature, willpower, and evil. The program also delves into the impact of Augustine's philosophy on later thinkers, including Freud. Through insights from scholars like Frei Luiz Antônio Pinheiro and Professor Debone, the discussion underscores Augustine's timeless contributions to philosophy and the Christian experience of restlessness.

Takeaways

• 😀 Saint Augustine is portrayed as a deeply human and restless thinker, seeking to understand both himself and the world around him.
• 😀 His famous quote, 'I am a human being alive among human beings and nothing human is indifferent to me,' reflects his empathy and universal relevance.
• 😀 Augustine's thought is timeless, as his struggles with inner conflict and the human condition resonate even in contemporary crises.
• 😀 In his work 'Confessions,' Augustine explores deep questions about human nature, interiority, and the psychology of good and evil.
• 😀 Augustine anticipates modern psychological questions, such as why humans sometimes do evil even when they don't need to, similar to Freud's theories on the psyche.
• 😀 His reflections on the 'struggle of wills' highlight internal conflicts and the duality of human desires, offering insights into volitional ego struggles.
• 😀 Augustine's introspection in 'Confessions' is not just about religious sin but about understanding the complexities of human psychology.
• 😀 His existentialist leanings are highlighted, as he explores themes of desire, self-knowledge, and the inability to control one's actions, which are central to existential philosophy.
• 😀 Augustine represents the authentic Christian experience of restlessness, emphasizing that true spiritual growth comes from questioning and seeking, not from complacency.
• 😀 His philosophy influenced a broad range of thinkers across history, including Dante, Pascal, Rousseau, Freud, Heidegger, and others, reflecting his lasting impact on various fields of thought.

Q & A

Who is Saint Augustine and why is he considered a relevant figure in philosophy?

Saint Augustine was a 4th-century philosopher and theologian whose works, particularly 'Confessions,' continue to influence both Christian thought and existential philosophy. His exploration of human nature, interiority, and the struggle between wills resonates with modern concerns, making him highly relevant today.

What phrase did Augustine often repeat, and what does it reveal about his philosophy?

Augustine often repeated the phrase from the Roman historian Terence, 'I am a human being alive among human beings, and nothing human is indifferent to me.' This reflects his deep empathy for humanity and his belief in the interconnectedness of human experiences.

How does Augustine's philosophy address the struggles of the human condition?

Augustine explores the human condition by emphasizing the internal conflicts individuals face. His famous statement, 'I have become a great problem for myself,' speaks to the timeless nature of human struggle, showing that self-reflection and understanding our own inner turmoil are essential steps in addressing broader crises.

Why is Augustine's 'Confessions' often misunderstood?

Many people focus on Augustine's personal confessions or sins, like the famous story of stealing pears, without fully understanding his deeper philosophical exploration of human desires, morality, and interiority. The work is not just about sin but about an existential inquiry into the self.

How does Augustine's exploration of evil in 'Confessions' relate to modern psychological questions?

In 'Confessions,' Augustine grapples with the question of why humans sometimes act against their own better judgment, even when they don't need to. This anticipates modern psychological concerns about the conflict between conscious desires and unconscious drives, prefiguring the ideas of Freud and other modern thinkers.

What does Augustine's inner conflict about good and evil teach us?

Augustine’s introspection into his desires—doing the evil he does not want and failing to do the good he wishes to—reveals the complexity of human willpower. It highlights the inner war we all face, offering insight into the dual nature of human desires and moral struggles.

How does Augustine's existentialism differ from modern existentialist thought?

Augustine's philosophy can be seen as an early form of existentialism. His focus on personal restlessness and the search for meaning through introspection mirrors existentialism, but his approach is grounded in Christian theology, where ultimate peace is found through divine grace rather than self-reliance alone.

What is the role of restlessness in Augustine's thought, according to the interview?

Restlessness is central to Augustine's philosophy. He believed that true religious experience is rooted in constant questioning and striving, rather than in comfort or complacency. His life and thought reflect a dynamic, restless search for truth and meaning.

What was the influence of Professor Debone on the study of medieval philosophy in Brazil?

Professor Debone is credited with revitalizing the study of medieval philosophy in Brazil. His work, particularly on Augustine, has had a significant impact on Brazilian scholarship, helping to bring attention to these important philosophical traditions.

How is Augustine compared to Freud in the context of their exploration of the human mind?

Augustine is often called the 'discoverer of interiority,' similar to how Freud is regarded as the father of psychoanalysis. While Freud explored the human psyche scientifically, Augustine approached it metaphysically, seeking truth by turning inward rather than outward.