Koncepcja duszy według Świętego Augustyna

Abstract

The studies of St. Augustin on the human soul have been presented. For many centuries that matter has been regarded as a serious problem for many thinkers. St. Augustin encountered it, too. His ideas are strogly influenced by Platonic and neo - Platonic philosophy. The attribute of immortality in his analysis is unquestionable, although he notices a basic difference between the essence of the soul and its powers. Though the soul is the better side of man it is not perfect. It integrates the human nature and fulfills several functions simultaneously which may be weakened due to the original sin. St. Augustin regards that eventas a loss of soul unconditional control of the body. The soul remains strong if it is faithful to the God. St. Augustin points at traces of the Holy Trinity in the human soul. The body is just an obstacle to recognize idealestic values; it weakenes sensitiveness of the soul and leads to separation of the soul from the body life. Regarding ontology, St. Augustin believes in personal unity of man. Though the soul is one of elements of the human nature, a human being is created by its permanent connection with the body. However, regarding that problem from the ethical point of view, St. Augustin postulates submitting the material body to the control of the soul and calls the body a servant of the soul. In opinion of St. Augustin the ultimate objective of the human life is connected with the soul and that is why the soul includes the most essential elements of the human nature.