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Document Details :

Title: Le credo d'Augustin en 388
Subtitle: Une lecture du De quantitate animae
Author(s): LAGOUANÈRE, Jérôme
Journal: Recherches de Théologie et Philosophie Médiévales
Volume: 85    Issue: 1   Date: 2018   
Pages: 1-46
DOI: 10.2143/RTPM.85.1.3284824

Abstract :
The interpretation of Augustine’s early works often divided scholars between those who emphasize the philosophical character of these writings and those who affirm their deeply Christian nature. The present study attempts to show that there is a middle way in this interpretative quarrel by taking the example of the De quantitate animae, written by Augustine a year after his baptism. Indeed, the properly philosophical content of this dialogue, which deals with the nature of the soul from a Neoplatonic perspective, does not prevent Augustine from clearly expressing his adherence to the faith and dogmas of the Catholic Church in terms that foreshadow his later treatises. In other words, this dialogue is authentically Christian and Catholic, but at the same time fits into an intellectual framework that is still very similar to the intellectualism of the pagan Platonists of Late Antiquity. In order to illustrate this thesis, we successively study Augustine’s comments on the Catholic Church, on Biblical exegesis as well as on dogmas relating to Christ, the Trinity, and divine grace.

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