Augustine: "The Literal Meaning of Genesis"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses and analyzes "Book Seven: The Creation of The Man's Soul" of "The Literal Meaning of Genesis," by the fourth-century philosopher and theologian Augustine. The writer provides this work's historical and philosophical context, and describes Augustine's questions about the origin of the soul and its nature, as well as his aim in answering them. The writer explains the main ideas and structure of "The Creation of The Man's Soul," and the solution Augustine found to his questions about the soul. The paper concludes that Augustine was a visionary who was ahead of his time in his cool, dispassionate analysis of a text which remains somewhat of an enigma today.

Outline:
Introduction
Historical Context
Textual Context
What is the Problem at Stake?
Main Ideas and Logical Structure
The Tools That Were Used (and Those That Were Lacking)
Relevance of Solution Provided
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The problem is strongly linked to his devotion of the literal interpretation of the beginning of Genesis, which he attempted to unravel for many years throughout his intellectual career. The soul preoccupied Augustine's mind as well, since Augustine viewed the soul's condition as an essential element for achieving happiness. The pursuit of happiness was part of an existential quest sought out by the philosophers and theologians of his time, and was of great significance. Philosophy during Augustine's time was not purely theoretical as it is now, it was a quest to arrive at wisdom and happiness by essentially being in communion with God. It was a quest for ultimate purpose and truth, which was believed to lead to happiness."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Augustinus, Aurelius. The Literal Meaning of Genesis. trans. J.H. Taylor. New York: Newman, 1982.
• Augustine, Saint, Bishop of Hippo. On Genesis against the Manichees; and, On the literal interpretation of Genesis, an Unfinished Book. trans R. J. Teske. Washington,DC: Catholic University of American Press, 1991.

More papers on Augustine: "The Literal Meaning of Genesis":

• Term Paper # 101434 : "The Changing Meaning of Community"
• Analytical Essay # 140884 : "The Political Meaning of the Khodorkovsky Case"
• Research Paper # 68012 : "The Meaning of Work"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: