The Other Happy Life

The Political Dimensions to St. Augustine's Cassiciacum Dialogues

"St. Augustine's Cassiciacum dialogues have a subtle yet important political dimension. Much of Augustine's conversation with his interlocutors implicitly hinges on matters concerning political philosophy, as does the very dialogue format Augustine chooses. Yet on the other hand, the focal points of...

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Bibliographic Details
Author:Michael P. Foley
Published: S.n., s.l., 2003
Volume:65
Pages:165-183
Language:English
Periodical:The Review of Politics
Number:2
Format:Article
Topic:- Works > Dialogues / Early works > De beata vita > Topics > Happiness
- Works > Dialogues / Early works > De ordine > Topics > Ordo
- Works > Dialogues / Early works > Soliloquia > Topics > Bliss
- Works > Dialogues / Early works > Contra Academicos > Topics > Blessednes / Bliss
Status:Needs Review
Description
Summary:"St. Augustine's Cassiciacum dialogues have a subtle yet important political dimension. Much of Augustine's conversation with his interlocutors implicitly hinges on matters concerning political philosophy, as does the very dialogue format Augustine chooses. Yet on the other hand, the focal points of the dialogues are essentially nonpolitical, and some of Augustine's statements can be construed as hostile to civic life and to any thoughtful reflection on the best political order. This essay argues that these apparent inconsistencies are not signs of a contradictory attitude."