Augustine Flashcards
What is a ‘first-order’ desire or violation?
First-order volitions are object-directed desires. For instance, a desire to own a new car, or to meet the pope.
What is a ‘second-order’ desire or violation?
Second-order volition are desires about desires, or to desire to change the process, the how, of desiring.
An example would be desires to WANT to own a new car; to WANT to meet the pope. Rather than to own a new car, or to meet the pope.
How does Augustine view first-order and second-order desires?
Augustine views first-order and second-order desires as one and the same.
How do you define a happy/flourishing life?
One in which what is best for a human being is desired and possessed.
What does Augustine view as the HIGHEST good for humans?
The good of the soul, and whatever perfects the soul.
What can perfect the soul? Give two examples.
- A body. A soul is better with a body than without.
2. Morals to make a virtuous soul.
What is the ULTIMATE good for human beings?
The ultimate good for human beings is eternal life and the ultimate evil is eternal death.
What are the four cardinal virtues?
- Temperance
- Prudence
- Justice
- Courage
How do the four virtues prove the existence of vice? Give one example.
Each virtue has an equally opposing vice.
Example:
Justice - assigns everyone their due - the need for it shows that lust remains a problem.
What does Augustine say about HOPE?
We (the mortal man) are made happy by hope.
What are Augustine’s two types of evils?
- Evil done (evil suffered is punishment)
2. Evil suffered (evil done is voluntary)
According to Augustine, can we learn to sin?
No one cannot learn to sin, for all learning is good and sin is evil.
If one is to lust, or desire/will for something, but it is not realised in practice, is it still evil?
Yes, even if a desire/willing or lust for something isn’t acted upon it is still evil.
According to Augustine, what cannot be taken from us against our will?
The only thing that cannot be taken against your will is your will.
How does Augustine view life on earth compared to life in heaven, with regard to virtues and vices?
The fact that we must exercise virtues shows that we haven’t yet achieved the ultimate fulfilment for humans.
The virtues represent a way of dealing with the difficulties that we experience in this physical life. In the life that we can look forward to living with God there will be no need for virtues because there will be no vices.
