AUGUSTINE AND HUMAN NATURE

Question 1

what is this topic concerned with

Answer 1

what is human nature? are we good or are we evil? do we create our own meaning? there are differing examples of human nature and human beings can act in different ways - why is this?

Question 2

three approaches/philosophers on what is human nature

Answer 2

rosseau
hobbes
augustine

Question 3

rosseau on human nature

Answer 3

human nature is essentially generous and that we only act otherwise when the situation calls for it. man is ‘in chains’ and to escape, we should be more cooperative and appreciative of others

Question 4

hobbes on human nature

Answer 4

humans are naturally selfish and animal-like, this can be overcome through reason

Question 5

augustine on human nature

Answer 5

human nature is weakened. individuals are confused as we don’t know what to do, we are subject to desires we cannot control

Question 6

two inspirations to augustine’s thinking

Answer 6

manicheism and neoplatonism