Augustine of Hippo: Considerations on Evil and Correlated Themes in De libero arbitrio

Abstract

In various works, Augustine addresses the question of evil, but it is in the dialog De libero arbitrio that he most develops the theme. The question of the origin of evil leads to the argumentation of the dialog, gradually introducing what would become the classic
formula of Augustinism, namely, that the intellect accepts what faith shapes. Evil appears where there is disorder, disproportion, excess or
deficiency. Evil is contrary to the natural order. Cupiditas, the sinful desire, is a disorder of the soul; the desire for things that one can lose. Evil precedes the promulgation of the law, since it is derived from the original sin. Of Augustine’s cogito – existing, living, thinking –, the principal and exclusive quality of man is the intelligence. Augustine establishes the axiom: faith seeks and intelligence finds. But for there to be intelligence, it is necessary to have enlightenment, which later assumes clearer outlines in the conceptualization of divine grace. By his own free will, the human being sins. Grace is necessary for the human free will to effectively engage in the struggle against evil.