Saint Augustine’s Theory of Illumination
Wisdom and Enlightenment
The concepts of “wisdom and enlightenment” are central to Saint Augustine’s Theory of Knowledge. This theory aimed at creating a *paideia*, a system of education and training for Christian citizens. This education was driven by the pursuit of truth, ultimately leading to happiness. Augustine believed that knowledge progresses through varying degrees to reach absolute truth and wisdom, which is God.
Degrees of Knowledge
- Sensation/Feeling: This is the first grade of the spirit of light. The soul makes contact with the outside world through the body. Through sensation, we perceive beings, which are reflections of God’s image. We recognize the image of the supernatural, even with the imperfections of the sensible world.
- Thinking: The second degree of human knowledge. It encompasses both reason and understanding, which are distinct powers.
- Reason: Plays a mediating role to truth by defining and associating feelings.
- Understanding: Produces knowledge and wisdom through ideas. It requires divine assistance.
The Path to Uncovering Truth
Saint Augustine’s formula, “In homine interiore habitat veritas” (truth dwells within us), encapsulates his approach. While not agreeing with the Platonic theory of reminiscence, he emphasizes the importance of memory, an element of inner life. Memory, having forgotten everything after the fall of the soul, allows man to know the source of divine illumination.
Divine illumination is the path from within us to God. It places in our minds an image of three truths related to the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. From these, we can access other truths through reason: we are, we know, and we love our being and concept. The function of divine illumination is to enlighten reason, enabling it to discover the ultimate truth, God, who resides within us.
Moral and Religious Conception
The theory of illumination is not only epistemological but also a moral and religious conception. It encourages human beings to willingly seek and know their Creator.
Wisdom and Enlightenment
The concepts of “wisdom and enlightenment” are central to Saint Augustine’s Theory of Knowledge. This theory aimed at creating a *paideia*, a system of education and training for Christian citizens. This education was driven by the pursuit of truth, ultimately leading to happiness. Augustine believed that knowledge progresses through varying degrees to reach absolute truth and wisdom, which is God.
Degrees of Knowledge
- Sensation/Feeling: This is the first grade of the spirit of light. The soul makes contact with the outside world through the body. Through sensation, we perceive beings, which are reflections of God’s image. We recognize the image of the supernatural, even with the imperfections of the sensible world.
- Thinking: The second degree of human knowledge. It encompasses both reason and understanding, which are distinct powers.
- Reason: Plays a mediating role to truth by defining and associating feelings.
- Understanding: Produces knowledge and wisdom through ideas. It requires divine assistance.
The Path to Uncovering Truth
Saint Augustine’s formula, “In homine interiore habitat veritas” (truth dwells within us), encapsulates his approach. While not agreeing with the Platonic theory of reminiscence, he emphasizes the importance of memory, an element of inner life. Memory, having forgotten everything after the fall of the soul, allows man to know the source of divine illumination.
Divine illumination is the path from within us to God. It places in our minds an image of three truths related to the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. From these, we can access other truths through reason: we are, we know, and we love our being and concept. The function of divine illumination is to enlighten reason, enabling it to discover the ultimate truth, God, who resides within us.
Moral and Religious Conception
The theory of illumination is not only epistemological but also a moral and religious conception. It encourages human beings to willingly seek and know their Creator.