A TEORIA do CONHECIMENTO de SANTO AGOSTINHO | Filosofia Medieval | História da Filosofia

Summary

This video script delves into Augustine's adaptation of Platonic philosophy, particularly his integration of the dualism between the sensible and intelligible worlds. It explains how Augustine reinterprets Plato’s theory of reminiscence by introducing divine illumination, asserting that true knowledge comes from recognizing innate ideas placed by God in the human soul. The script highlights the synthesis of Christian doctrine with Platonic thought, illustrating how Augustine viewed divine knowledge as the key to understanding reality. Through symbolic imagery and philosophical discussion, the script emphasizes Augustine’s unique contribution to epistemology and metaphysics.

Takeaways

• 😀 Augustine uses the Platonic conceptual scheme to understand the world, focusing on the relationship between the sensible and intelligible worlds.
• 😀 Augustine synthesizes Platonic thought with Christian teachings, emphasizing the importance of divine illumination in understanding truth.
• 😀 The Platonic theory of forms, which posits that reality is divided between the sensible (perceived through senses) and intelligible (grasped through intellect), is central to Augustine's epistemology.
• 😀 Augustine adapts the Platonic theory of reminiscence, suggesting that humans are born with innate knowledge but lack the linguistic and discursive capacity to fully understand it.
• 😀 According to Augustine, knowledge is not acquired from teachers directly but is illuminated through divine light, enabling us to recognize truths already within us.
• 😀 Augustine's view of ideas is influenced by the belief that all ideas come from God and exist in the divine mind, distinguishing his theory from Plato's.
• 😀 The metaphor of divine illumination represents the process by which God enables humans to access and recognize the truth, a key element of Augustine's philosophy.
• 😀 In Augustine’s thought, divine illumination acts as a bridge between the sensible and intelligible worlds, with God playing the central role in this connection.
• 😀 The symbol of the light and the fire in Augustine’s work reflects the enlightenment of the intellect, igniting a passion to seek and understand truth.
• 😀 Augustine’s reinterpretation of Platonic ideas includes the integration of Christian doctrine, where God is the source of all ideas and the foundation of ultimate truth.

Q & A

How does Augustine integrate Platonic thought into his philosophy?

Augustine adopts Platonic ideas, particularly the dualism between the sensitive world (the world of perception) and the intelligible world (the world of ideal forms). However, he modifies these ideas by placing God at the center, asserting that knowledge is not merely recalled from prior existence but revealed by divine grace.

What is the difference between the 'sensitive world' and the 'intelligible world' in Platonic thought?

In Platonic thought, the sensitive world refers to the realm of sensory perception, which is changeable and imperfect, while the intelligible world is the realm of ideal forms, eternal and unchanging, representing the true nature of reality.

What role does God play in Augustine's adaptation of Platonic dualism?

In Augustine's adaptation, God is seen as the source of all knowledge. Augustine replaces the purely metaphysical aspects of Plato's theory with a Christian view, asserting that ideas are in the divine mind and only through God's grace can humans access them.

What is Augustine's Theory of Illumination?

Augustine's Theory of Illumination suggests that human knowledge is illuminated by divine grace. He believes that humans already have innate knowledge within them, but it is through God's light that they are able to recognize and understand this knowledge.

How does Augustine reinterpret Plato's theory of reminiscence?

Augustine transforms Plato's theory of reminiscence by arguing that rather than recalling knowledge from a past life, humans possess innate knowledge that is revealed through divine illumination. He attributes the source of this knowledge to God, who enables individuals to recognize the truth.

What is the significance of the symbol of light in Augustine’s theory?

The symbol of light in Augustine’s theory represents divine truth. It signifies how God's illumination allows the human intellect to recognize and understand the ideas and truths that were already present within them.

How does Augustine view the relationship between knowledge and the divine?

For Augustine, knowledge is intrinsically linked to the divine. He believes that all knowledge originates from God, and human beings are able to access and understand this knowledge only through divine grace and illumination.

What does the fire in Augustine’s symbolic representation signify?

The fire in Augustine’s symbolism represents the passionate pursuit of truth. It symbolizes the inner fervor and devotion required to accept and understand divine knowledge and truth.

How does Augustine’s theory of illumination differ from Plato’s?

Augustine’s theory of illumination differs from Plato’s theory of reminiscence by integrating the Christian concept of divine revelation. While Plato believed that knowledge is recollected from past lives, Augustine argues that knowledge is a gift from God, revealed to humans through divine grace.

What is the role of the Bible in Augustine’s understanding of knowledge?

In Augustine's view, the Bible represents the ultimate source of truth. The Bible is symbolized by the light in his theory, indicating that divine knowledge and truth are accessible through God's word, which guides the human intellect toward understanding.