Description
Book SynopsisA survey that takes readers on a thought-provoking tour through the life and work of Augustine. It explores fresh insights into one of antiquity's most important philosophers. It includes such topics as: skepticism, language acquisition, mind-body dualism, philosophical dream problems, and Augustine's standing as a 'Socratic philosopher'.
Trade Review"...we are all indebted to Matthews for continuing to draw attention to Augustine's philosophical range and relevance."
Sarah Byers, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews “Matthews is one of the world’s leading authorities – perhaps the leading authority – on Augustine the philosopher. In this book, he provides a series of vignettes of Augustine in philosophical action: arguing against the skeptics, worrying about the nature of time, trying to dissipate the tensions between foreknowledge and free will, and trying to figure out what counts as a lie. There is no one better equipped to spot these issues and subject them to sensitive, sympathetic, yet critical analysis.”
William Mann, University of Vermont
“Matthews’s beautifully clear voice, penetrating eye, and delicate touch bring Augustine’s puzzles and arguments vividly to life for twenty-first-century readers. While there is no better general introduction to Augustine’s philosophical ideas, Matthews’s Augustine holds treasures for scholars and specialists as well.”
Scott MacDonald, Cornell University.
"Matthews style throughout the book is very easy to read. He includes many lengthy quotations whether this be Augustine, Hume, or Zeno... This is a very good book. It will prove useful for all graduate and post-graduate students, as well as any armchair philosopher and theologian!"
Themelios
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments viii
Translations Used ix
1 The First-Person Point of View 1
2 Augustine’s Life 7
3 Skepticism 15
4 Language 23
5 The Augustinian Cogito 34
6 Mind–Body Dualism 43
7 The Problem of Other Minds 53
8 Philosophical Dream Problems 65
9 Time And Creation 76
10 Faith And Reason 86
11 Foreknowledge And Free Will 96
12 The Problem of Evil 105
13 Wanting Bad Things 115
14 Lying 125
15 Happiness 134
Index 146
