Augustine's Introduction to Political Philosophy: Teaching De Libero Arbitrio, Book I

In: Religions ; Volume 6 ; Issue 1 ; Pages 82-91

Abstract

Book I of Augustine's work On Free Choice (De Libero Arbitrio) offers a helpful introduction to some of the most important themes of political philosophy. The paper makes a case for teaching this text in introductory courses on political thought, theology of social life, and similar topics, alongside or even in place of the more usually assigned excerpts from City of God. The text is written as a dialogue in which Augustine seeks to introduce a student of his to reflection on the ways in which our moral outlook is profoundly shaped by our political citizenship. It invites all of us, whether Christian or non-Christian citizens, to enter into the dialogue ourselves as Augustine's students and so to reflect on the moral significance of our own citizenship.