| Augustine is a philosopher who expanded the widely accepted ancient paradigm of philosophy from an erotic pursuit of wisdom to include the uniquely Christian idea that the philosopher is aided in the search for wisdom by divine grace. His new paradigm is more optimistic than the former, for the philosopher, in this view, may rely on more than the desire for wisdom. He or she has the promise that the one who seeks shall find.;The ancient definition of philosophy, to which Augustine first adhered, defines philosophy as the erotic search for the wisdom which all human beings need. This type of philosophical inquiry can lead to two types of unsatisfying philosophy. There is, on one hand, the potential for adherence to false teaching and, on the other hand, the danger of skepticism. Augustine's experience with both dangers, in the forms of Manicheism and Academic skepticism, led him to look for a new model of philosophical inquiry, which he found in Christianity. This new model of faith seeking understanding relies on the promise that wisdom will be made known. As such it not only evades the dangers of the erotic paradigm, it is founded on premises which, although believed with faith, are supported by lived experience.;My conclusions are two-fold. First, in regard to Augustinian scholarship, modern historians too often attempt to carve Augustine's philosophy away from his theology. An examination of his paradigm of philosophy reveals that such division misconstrues his work, for his Christian belief informed his philosophical quest making his theology indispensable to his philosophy. Second, in regard to contemporary philosophy, Augustine's work is too often passed over in silence. An exposition of the distinctive nature of Augustine's philosophy shows a system of thought that neither ignores nor accepts skepticism but confronts doubt, emerging with new hope for the continued pursuit of wisdom. In an age in which philosophy is becoming increasingly skeptical, this view deserves a hearing. Ultimately, a deeper understanding of Augustine's optimistic view of philosophy proves fruitful not only for the study of the history of philosophy but for the future flourishing of philosophy. |
