 previous article in this issue | next article in this issue  |
|
Document Details : Title: The Vita Beata Subtitle: Ambrose, De Officiis 2.1-21 And the Synthesis of Classical and Christian Thought in the Late Fourth Century Author(s): DAVIDSON, Ivor J. Journal: Recherches de Théologie et Philosophie Médiévales Volume: 63 Date: 1996 Pages: 199-219 DOI: 10.2143/RTPM.63.0.525869 Abstract : In his Sermo 150, Augustine argues that the desire to attain the vita beata has been the motivation for all types of philosophy, and that it is also the reason that people would give if asked why they became Christians; the quest is common to all human beings, whether good or evil. Appetitio...beatae vitae philosophis Christianisque communis est.The truth of Augustine’s claims is illustrated in a variety of Latin Christian works from the fourth century, which take up the traditional philosophical theme of happiness and the summum bonum. Lactantius relates the highest good to the immortality of the soul, and calls upon his readers to find their destiny by devoting themselves to the worship of the true God; the worship of God is the greatest virtue, and it wins the blessedness of eternal reward. |
|
