Augustine on Magic: a neglected semiotic theory

The article seeks to study Augustine's theory of magic in the context of ancient magical theory. In the scraps of ancient theory devoted to this theme magic was interpreted either as the result of action within a nexus of occult interrelated causes, or as the result of communication wit invisible po...

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Bibliographic Details
Author:Robert Austin Markus
Published: S.n., s.l., 1994
Volume:40
Pages:375-388
Language:English
Periodical:Revue des Études Augustiniennes
Number:2
ISSN:0035-2012
Format:Article
Topic:- Doctrine > The World > [Les sciences] > [Magie. Superstition]
- Doctrine > Man > [Doctrine de la connaissance] > [Signes. La parole] > Sign > [Sémiotique]
Parent Work: Signs and Meanings
Status:Active
Description
Summary:The article seeks to study Augustine's theory of magic in the context of ancient magical theory. In the scraps of ancient theory devoted to this theme magic was interpreted either as the result of action within a nexus of occult interrelated causes, or as the result of communication wit invisible powers. Augustine's view falls in the second class. He was the only Christian or non-Christian thinker of Antiquity to develop a full theory of magical atcion: and he does this in terms of his carefully worked out theory of signs. Magical and sacramental rituals are both acts of communication: the one with demonic, the other with divine powers. (REA 1994, 388).

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