Inseparable virtue and the imago Dei in Augustine: a speculative interpretation of De Trinitate 6.4
In De Trinitate 6.4, Augustine compares the inseparability of virtues within the human soul to the divine attributes within the simple divine substance of the Trinity. In this paper, I will suggest that this is more than a convenient analogy. Rather, I contend, the soul's virtues become insepar...
| Published in: | Scottish journal of theology |
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| Main Author: | |
| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
Cambridge Univ. Press
[2019]
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| In: |
Scottish journal of theology
Year: 2019, Volume: 72, Issue: 2, Pages: 146-165 |
| Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains: | B
Augustinus, Aurelius, Saint 354-430, De trinitate
/ Stoicism
/ Platonism
/ Virtue
/ Trinity
/ Attributes of God
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| IxTheo Classification: | KAB Church history 30-500; early Christianity NBC Doctrine of God NCA Ethics VA Philosophy |
| Further subjects: | B
Augustine
B Imago Dei B inseparability B Trinity B Virtue |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (Resolving-System) Volltext (doi) |
| Parallel Edition: | Non-electronic
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| Summary: | In De Trinitate 6.4, Augustine compares the inseparability of virtues within the human soul to the divine attributes within the simple divine substance of the Trinity. In this paper, I will suggest that this is more than a convenient analogy. Rather, I contend, the soul's virtues become inseparable as the soul itself conforms to the image of God through the primary virtue of love. My argument includes an analysis of the history of inseparable virtue in Graeco-Roman philosophy and a comparison of Augustine's use of the concept in Trin. 6.4 with his more extended treatment in Epistle 167. In the face of a seeming conflict in these two texts, I argue for a 'soft' or 'imperfect' version of inseparability in Augustine's view of the virtues. Finally, I suggest that the cultivation of the virtues within the unity of love may be understood as the way we come to image the Trinity. |
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| ISSN: | 1475-3065 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: Scottish journal of theology
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| Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.1017/S0036930619000024 |