The City Of God: St. Augustine's Political Philosophy PDF

Political Science The City of Introduction to Political God: Theory St. Augustine’ By Professor Mark Lino Decena MA Political Science s AB Political Science LPT (Major in Social Science...

Political Science The City of Introduction to Political God: Theory St. Augustine’ By Professor Mark Lino Decena MA Political Science s AB Political Science LPT (Major in Social Sciences) Who is St. Augustine? He is an early Christian Theologian and Philosopher, significantly shaped Western Political Philosophy. His ideas on politics, justice, and the Who is St. Augustine? Context: The Fall of Rome- Christians were being blamed for the demise of Rome since the Romans were abandoning their Pagan religion in exchange for Who is St. Augustine? The Rise and Fall of Empires is a recurrent theme in global political history. Who is St. Augustine? Why did Great Empires fall? Who is St. Augustine? 1. Imperial Overstretch 2. Economic Weakness 3. Corruption and Poor Leadership 4. Social and Political Instability 5. External Threats 6. Technological Stagnation Who is St. Augustine? The City of God- he contrasts two realms, the City of God and the Earthly City. The City of God - is not a physical city but a symbolic and spiritual community. Who is St. Augustine? The City of God or Civitas Dei- the citizens of the City of God, as living by values such as charity, humility, justice and love for God. They seek spiritual fulfillment rather than Who is St. Augustine? The City of Man or Civitas Terrena (Earthly City)- represents those who prioritize earthly pleasures, power, and self interest over God. Who is St. Augustine? According to St. Augustine, all earthly events (history) including the rise and fall of Empires are under the Control of God and it has divine purpose. Who is St. Augustine? According to St. Augustine, the events unfolded in history is in Linear Progression culminating in the ultimate victory of the City of God. Who is St. Augustine? The Cardinal Virtues of the City of God are as follows: 1. Hope 2. Charity 3. Faith Who is St. Augustine? The Cardinal Vices of the City of Man are as follows: 1. Pride 2. Greed 3. Ambition Who is St. Augustine? The City of God is composed of 22 books Books 1-10- Critique of Roman Religion and Philosophy Who is St. Augustine? Books 11-22- Critique of Theological and Philosophical Discussion of the Two Cities Who is St. Augustine? Key Political Thoughts of St Augustine 1. The Purpose of Government - practical role of maintaining order, preventing chaos and protecting against evil Who is St. Augustine? 2. Justice is central to governance. Without justice, a state is merely band of robbers. Who is St. Augustine? It is a tool of God uses to restrain sin and promote limited justice. True Justice is only found in the City of God Who is St. Augustine? 3. St Augustine was skeptical of political power and utopian vision Who is St. Augustine? Utopia - creating a perfect society where social, political, and economic systems create harmony, and happiness. Who is St. Augustine? Utopia turn into a Dystopia Dystopia - an imagined society that is deeply flawed, oppresive, nightmarish and arbitrary Who is St. Augustine? Animal Farm and 1984 by George Orwell Who is St. Augustine? The Lego Movie Who is St. Augustine? Application French Revolution Russian Revolution Chinese Revolution North Korean Regime Who is St. Augustine? The French Revolution- King Louis XVI was ejected from power which paved the way for the brutal regime of Maximilien Robespierre Who is St. Augustine? The Russian Revolution put an end to the Tsarist Regime but paved the eventually paved the way for Joseph Stalin Who is St. Augustine? The Chinese Revolution marked the conclusion of Dynastic Regimes but led to the establishment of Communist Era under Mao Tse Tung Who is St. Augustine? North Korea- the only stalinist state in the world. Brutality and Cruelty are key attributes of the Kim Dynasty Who is St. Augustine? 4. The Role of Christian Citizens Who is St. Augustine? 4. Peace (Tranquilitas Ordinis) is the ultimate goal of politics. Peace in Earthly City is temporary and incomplete but necessary to fulfill the mission of the Who is St. Augustine? 5. Just War Theory- a theory that seek to establish criteria under which war can be justified and conducted morally Who is St. Augustine? St Augustine developed the concept to reconcile Christian teaching of peace with the reality of war in a fallen world. Who is St. Augustine? He argued that war is sometimes a necessary response to sin and injustice Who is St. Augustine? We should wage war not to win war, but to win peace. - Paul G. Hoffman Who is St. Augustine? Two Major components of Just War Theory 1. Justice of War (Jus Ad Bellum)- a. Just Cause- must address a significant wrong Who is St. Augustine? b. Legitimate Authority c. Right Outcome d. Probability of Success e. Proportionality f. Last Resort Who is St. Augustine? 2. Justice in War (Jus in Bello) a. Discrimination - legitimate targets b. Proportionality - avoid unnecessary destruction and suffering Who is St. Augustine? c. Military Necessity - Achieve legitimate military objectives Who is St. Augustine? 5. Church and State - distinguish the role of the church and state. Warned the church becoming overly entagled in political power Who is St. Augustine? What is the importance of the separation of church and state in modern day polity?  THANK YOU Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.