Perception, Sensibility, and Moral Motivation in Augustine: A Stoic-Platonic Synthesis - Hardcover

Byers, Sarah Catherine

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1107017947 ISBN 13: 9781107017948

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2012

Synopsis

This book argues that Augustine assimilated the Stoic theory of perception into his theories of motivation, affectivity, therapy for the passions and moral progress. Using his sermons to elucidate his treatises, Sarah Catherine Byers demonstrates how Augustine enriched Stoic cognitivism with Platonism to develop a fuller and coherent theory of action. That theory underlies his account of moral development, including his account of the mind's reception of grace. By analyzing Augustine's engagement with Cicero, Seneca, Plotinus, Ambrose, Jerome, Origen and Philo of Alexandria, Byers sheds new light on a major thinker of the early Christian world whose work is of critical importance for understanding key and recurring themes in Western philosophy.

About this title

Review:

'Byers' well-written study makes a substantial contribution to Augustinian research and deserves a wide reception among scholars.' Tobias Uhle, Bryn Mawr Classical Review

Book Description:

This book argues that Augustine assimilated the Stoic theory of perception into his theories of motivation, affectivity, therapy for the passions and moral progress. Using his sermons to elucidate his treatises, Sarah Catherine Byers demonstrates how Augustine enriched Stoic cognitivism with Platonism, thereby developing a coherent moral psychology.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 1107017947
• ISBN 13: 9781107017948
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 268