Introduction to Augustine\’s Free Choice of the Will

The free choice of the will, sometimes referred to as free will or free choice, is a philosophical concept that has been debated and discussed for centuries. Augustine of Hippo, one of the most influential theologians of the early Church, wrote extensively on this subject in his work, De Libero Arbitrio (On Free Choice of the Will). Augustine\’s writings on this topic had a profound impact on the development of Christian thought and continue to be influential today. In this article, we will explore some of the implications of Augustine\’s free choice of the will and how his ideas have been applied in the 21st century.

What is Free Choice of the Will?

Free choice of the will is a concept that has been debated and discussed by philosophers for centuries. In his work On Free Choice of the Will, Augustine of Hippo argued that human beings have free will and can choose their own actions and behavior. He further argued that God does not force us to choose any particular action or behavior and instead allows us to make our own decisions. Augustine believed that humans have the capacity to choose between good and evil, and that this capacity is essential for moral responsibility and accountability.

Augustine\’s Influence on Christian Thought

Augustine\’s writings on free choice of the will had a profound influence on the development of Christian thought. His ideas were adopted by numerous theologians and philosophers and are still influential today. Augustine\’s views on free will were seen as a rejection of the predestinarianism of Calvinism, which argued that all human actions were predetermined by God. Augustine\’s views were also in opposition to the determinism of Epicureanism, which argued that all human actions were predetermined by external forces and that humans had no control over their actions. Instead, Augustine argued that humans had the capacity to make their own decisions and were responsible for their actions.

Augustine\’s Free Choice of the Will and Modern Ethics

Augustine\’s views on free will and moral responsibility have been adopted and adapted by modern philosophers and ethicists. His views have been influential in the development of theories of deontology, which emphasize the importance of moral duty and obligation. Augustine\’s views on free will have also been influential in the development of theories of consequentialism, which argue that the consequences of an action should be considered when evaluating the morality of an action. In addition, Augustine\’s writings have been used to support theories of virtue ethics, which emphasize the importance of cultivating virtue and character in order to make moral decisions.

Augustine\’s Views on Human Nature

Augustine\’s views on free will were also closely related to his views on human nature. Augustine argued that humans are naturally inclined towards evil and that this inclination should be resisted through the cultivation of virtue. He believed that humans have the capacity to choose between good and evil and that this capacity is essential for moral responsibility and accountability. Augustine\’s views on human nature and free will have been influential in the development of theories of natural law, which emphasize the importance of following natural law in order to lead a moral and virtuous life.

Augustine\’s Views on the Relationship Between God and Humanity

Augustine\’s views on free will were closely related to his views on the relationship between God and humanity. Augustine argued that God is omnipotent and omniscient and that God\’s will is always good. He argued that humans have the capacity to choose between good and evil, and that this capacity is essential for moral responsibility and accountability. Augustine argued that God does not force us to choose any particular action or behavior and instead allows us to make our own decisions. He believed that humans have the capacity to choose their own destiny and that this capacity is essential for moral responsibility and accountability.

Augustine\’s Views on Salvation and Redemption

Augustine\’s views on free will were also closely related to his views on salvation and redemption. Augustine believed that humans have the capacity to choose between good and evil, and that this capacity is essential for moral responsibility and accountability. He believed that God does not force us to choose any particular action or behavior and instead allows us to make our own decisions. He believed that humans have the capacity to choose their own destiny and that this capacity is essential for moral responsibility and accountability. Augustine argued that salvation is only possible through a process of repentance and redemption and that humans must take responsibility for their actions in order to be redeemed.

Conclusion

Augustine\’s views on free choice of the will have been influential in the development of Christian thought and continue to be influential today. His views on free will, human nature, and the relationship between God and humanity have been adopted and adapted by modern philosophers and ethicists. His views on free will, human nature, and the relationship between God and humanity have been influential in the development of theories of deontology, consequentialism, and virtue ethics. In addition, his views on salvation and redemption have been influential in the development of theories of natural law. As we can see, Augustine\’s views on free choice of the will have had a profound impact on the development of Christian thought and continue to be influential today.