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...

Ausführliche Beschreibung

Bibliographische Detailangaben
VerfasserIn:Robert Austin Markus
Veröffentlicht: S.n., s.l., 1994
Volumen:40
Seiten:375-388
Sprache:Englisch
Zeitschrift:Revue des Études Augustiniennes
Nummer:2
ISSN:0035-2012
Format:Article
Thema:- Doktrin > Die Welt > [Les sciences] > [Magie. Superstition]
- Doktrin > Der Mensch > [Doctrine de la connaissance] > [Signes. La parole] > Zeichen > [Sémiotique]
Hauptwerk: Signs and Meanings
Status:Active
Beschreibung
Zusammenfassung: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).