Overview
The lecture analyzes the philosophical contributions of Augustine (Agostino) and Thomas Aquinas (Tommaso), comparing their views on knowledge, faith, and the relationship between philosophy and theology.
Augustine’s View on Knowledge and Faith
- Augustine emphasizes the inseparability of faith and reason in the search for truth.
- He asserts that faith is a prerequisite for understanding, summarized by "credo ut intelligam" (I believe so that I may understand).
- Knowledge for Augustine is introspective, focusing on inner experience and the illumination of the mind by God.
Thomas Aquinas’s Integration of Philosophy and Theology
- Thomas Aquinas maintains that reason and faith are distinct but harmonious ways to reach truth.
- He argues for a natural order accessible through reason and a supernatural order revealed by faith.
- Aquinas is known for "intelligo ut credam" (I understand so that I may believe), highlighting a more rational approach within faith.
Main Differences Between Augustine and Aquinas
- Augustine prioritizes inner experience and the role of divine illumination in knowledge.
- Aquinas gives greater autonomy to reason, using Aristotelian philosophy to support theological claims.
- Their approaches to the relationship between faith and reason reflect differing attitudes toward the roles of philosophy and theology.
Impact on Western Thought
- Both philosophers significantly influenced the development of medieval and modern philosophy.
- Their differing frameworks continue to shape debates about the compatibility of faith and reason.