St. Augustine's Political Theory and Empires

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Questions and Answers

What are the Cardinal Virtues of the City of God according to St. Augustine?

  • Hope, Charity, Faith (correct)
  • Courage, Temperance, Hope
  • Faith, Justice, Ambition
  • Wisdom, Justice, Charity

What do the Cardinal Vices of the City of Man consist of according to St. Augustine?

  • Greed, Pride, Ambition (correct)
  • Laziness, Wrath, Confusion
  • Jealousy, Hatred, Isolation
  • Selfishness, Deceit, Envy

How many books is the City of God composed of?

  • 12 books
  • 25 books
  • 20 books
  • 22 books (correct)

What is the primary focus of St. Augustine's 'City of God'?

<p>A symbolic community reflecting spiritual values (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does St. Augustine believe is the central purpose of governance?

<p>To maintain order and prevent chaos (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In St. Augustine's view, what is essential for true governance?

<p>Justice (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does St. Augustine identify as a reason for the fall of empires?

<p>Economic weakness (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is St. Augustine's perspective on the idea of Utopia?

<p>It often leads to a Dystopia (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does St. Augustine view earthly events in relation to divine control?

<p>They are under the control of God with a divine purpose (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the 'Earthly City' according to St. Augustine?

<p>A society prioritizing self-interest and earthly pleasures (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a Dystopia according to St. Augustine's definitions?

<p>A flawed and oppressive state (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following revolutions does St. Augustine’s application pertain to?

<p>French Revolution (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant historical context influenced St. Augustine's ideas?

<p>The fall of the Roman Empire (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What values do the citizens of the 'City of God' seek to embody?

<p>Charity, humility, and justice (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In St. Augustine's view, what is a characteristic of 'Imperial Overstretch'?

<p>Expanding territory beyond sustainable management (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What theme does St. Augustine emphasize in relation to political history?

<p>The cyclical nature of power shifts (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant event followed the ejection of King Louis XVI during the French Revolution?

<p>The brutal regime of Maximilien Robespierre (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the Russian Revolution ultimately result in?

<p>The end of the Tsarist regime and the rise of Joseph Stalin (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary consequence of the Chinese Revolution?

<p>Establishment of a Communist Era under Mao Tse Tung (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes North Korea's political system?

<p>It is the only Stalinist state in existence today (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to St. Augustine, what is the ultimate goal of politics?

<p>Tranquility of order (Peace) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key principle of Just War Theory as developed by St. Augustine?

<p>War is sometimes a necessary response to sin and injustice (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT a part of the Justice of War (Jus Ad Bellum) criteria?

<p>Total Victory (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Jus in Bello' refer to in the context of Just War Theory?

<p>The conduct and ethics of warfare (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

St. Augustine's City of God

A symbolic and spiritual community, not a physical city, focusing on values like charity, humility, justice, and love for God; seeking spiritual fulfillment.

City of Man (Civitas Terrena)

The earthly city, prioritizing earthly pleasures, power, and self-interest over God.

St. Augustine

Early Christian theologian and philosopher who significantly shaped Western political philosophy.

Fall of Empires (Causes)

Factors such as imperial overstretch, economic weakness, corruption, social instability, external threats, and technological stagnation lead to the decline of empires.

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Divine Purpose (History)

St. Augustine believed all earthly events, including the rise and fall of empires, are under God's control and have a divine purpose.

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Political Philosophy (St. Augustine)

St. Augustine's ideas on politics, justice, and the fall of empires, influenced Western thought.

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Connection between the spiritual and earthly according to St. Augustine

St. Augustine believed that History was guided by a divine purpose.All events, including the rise and fall of empires are under God's control.

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Western Political Philosophy

St. Augustine's ideas significantly shaped Western political thought.

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St. Augustine's View of History

St. Augustine believed history progresses linearly, culminating in the triumph of the City of God.

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Cardinal Virtues (City of God)

Hope, Charity, and Faith are the key virtues that characterize the City of God.

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Cardinal Vices (City of Man)

Pride, Greed, and Ambition are the key vices that plague the City of Man.

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Purpose of Government (St. Augustine)

Government's role is to maintain order, prevent chaos, and protect against evil.

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Justice in Governance (St. Augustine)

Justice is crucial for a legitimate government; without it, a state is simply a band of robbers.

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True Justice (St. Augustine)

True justice can only be found in the City of God, not in earthly governments

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St. Augustine's Skepticism

St. Augustine had reservations about political power and utopian visions.

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Dystopia

Dystopia describes an imagined society that is flawed, oppressive, nightmarish, and arbitrary.

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French Revolution's Impact

The French Revolution ended the rule of King Louis XVI, leading to the reign of Maximilien Robespierre.

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Russian Revolution's Impact

The Russian Revolution replaced the Tsarist regime with a new era ultimately dominated by Joseph Stalin.

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Chinese Revolution's Impact

The Chinese Revolution led to the end of Dynastic rule and the beginning of the Communist Era under Mao Tse Tung.

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North Korea's Political System

North Korea is the only remaining Stalinist state characterized by brutality and cruelty under the Kim dynasty.

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Just War Theory's Purpose

This theory establishes criteria for morally justified war.

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Jus Ad Bellum

Just cause, legitimate authority, favorable outcome, probability of success, proportionality, and last resort are criteria in Just War Theory to justify initiating war.

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Jus in Bello

This part of Just War Theory deals with the conduct of war, setting rules for a just way to fight.

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Augustine and Just War

St. Augustine attempted balancing peace and war, especially for Christians in a fallen world during times of conflict.

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Study Notes

St. Augustine's Political Theory

  • Augustine was an early Christian theologian and philosopher
  • His ideas significantly shaped Western political philosophy
  • His views on politics, justice, and the state's role are important
  • The Fall of Rome: Christians blamed for the fall, Romans abandoning pagan religion for Christianity

Reasons for the Fall of Empires

  • Imperial overstretch
  • Economic weakness
  • Corruption and poor leadership
  • Social and political instability
  • External threats
  • Technological stagnation

The City of God

  • Augustine contrasts two realms: the City of God and the earthly city
  • The City of God is symbolic and spiritual, not a physical city.
  • Citizens of the City of God live by values such as charity, humility, justice, and love for God.
  • They seek spiritual fulfillment over material wealth

The City of Man

  • The earthly city (Civitas Terrena) signifies those prioritizing earthly pleasures, power, and self-interest over God
  • Residents prioritize worldly endeavors over God

Augustine's View on History

  • Augustine believed history unfolds linearly, culminating in the victory of the City of God.
  • All events (particularly the rise and fall of empires) are under God's control

Cardinal Virtues of the City of God

  • Hope
  • Charity
  • Faith

Cardinal Vices of the City of Man

  • Pride
  • Greed
  • Ambition

Structure of Augustine's Work

  • Augustine's "City of God" is composed of 22 books
  • Books 1-10 critique Roman religion and philosophy
  • Books 11-22 are theological and philosophical discussions of the two cities

The Purpose of Government

  • Maintaining order
  • Preventing chaos
  • Protecting against evil

Justice in Governance

  • Justice is central to governance
  • Without justice, a state is merely a band of robbers

Augustine's View on War

  • War is a tool of God, used to restrain sin and promote limited justice
  • True justice is found only in the City of God
  • War is sometimes necessary as a response to sin and injustice.
  • The goal of war is to achieve peace

Augustine's Skepticism

  • Skeptical of political power and utopian visions

Utopian Society

  • Utopia: creating a perfect society in terms of social, political, and economic harmony and happiness

Dystopia

  • Dystopia is an imagined society that is deeply flawed, oppressive, nightmarish, and arbitrary

Historical Examples

  • French Revolution
  • Russian Revolution
  • Chinese Revolution
  • North Korean regime

Role of Christian Citizens

  • Distinguishing the roles of Church and state is important
  • Warning against the church becoming overly entangled in political power

Separation of Church and State

  • What is the importance of separation of church and state in modern day politics?

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