Augustine and the Problem of Human Goodness

F. examined human goodness in Augustine, a significant problem for some, noting several cases where Augustine applies or adapts ethical and political principles to the circumstances. Thus, Augustine never cut tie between rightness and goodness, between ethics and politics (p. 184). Acknowledging t...

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Bibliographic Details
Author:Ernest Léonard Fortin
Published: S.n., s.l., 1994
Volume:22
Pages:177-192
Periodical:The University of Dayton review
Number:3
Format:Article
Topic:- Doctrine > Social Life > [Sociologie. Cité terrestre. Politique] > [Études d'ensemble] > [Politique]
- Doctrine > From man to God > [Morale] > [Études générales de morale] > Ethics
Status:Needs Review
Description
Summary:F. examined human goodness in Augustine, a significant problem for some, noting several cases where Augustine applies or adapts ethical and political principles to the circumstances. Thus, Augustine never cut tie between rightness and goodness, between ethics and politics (p. 184). Acknowledging that there is room for criticism, he nevertheless seeks to show that, rather than an incurable pessimist (p. 179), Augustine was always seeking to make sure that all things be properly ordered in the highest degree (p. 187).