Elementos para uma leitura filosófica sobre a obra “A predestinação” de Agostinho

Abstract

This master‟s dissertation addresses Augustine of Hippo‟s philosophy regarding the origin of evil and creation from nothing, highlighting the importance of understanding the origin of evil to grasp the limits of freedom and how Augustine defends predestination, even while believing in free will. The Pelagian controversy, which questions the idea of God controlling everything and man having no freedom, is also discussed, presenting two distinct views on the importance of human rationality and dependence on God in Christian spirituality. Additionally, Pelagius and Augustine's positions on freedom, grace, and divine justice are addressed. The dissertation presents a research on Augustine's work The Predestination of the Saints and the philosophical and theological issues that surround it, discussing the debate on free will and predestination and the polysemy of the concept of freedom in Augustine‟s thought. Finally, the research deals with the issue of the tendency towards evil and the persistent perseverance of the desire for good in human freedom, defending Augustine‟s philosophy as one of the most influential philosophical theories in history.