Augustine and Modernity

by Michael Hanby

Augustine and Modernity is a fresh and challenging addition to current debates about the Augustinian origins of modern subjectivity and the Christian genesis of Western nihilism. It firmly rejects the dominant modern view that the modern Cartesian subject, as an archetype of Western nihilism, originates in Augustine's thought. Arguing that most contemporary interpretations misrepresent the complex philosophical relationship between Augustine and modern philosophy, particularly with regard to the work of Descartes, the book examines the much overlooked contribution of Stoicism to the genealogy of modernity, producing a scathing riposte to commonly-held versions of the 'continuity thesis'.
Michael Hanby identifies the modern concept of will that emerges in Descartes' work as the product of a notion of self more proper to Stoic theories of immanence than to Augustine's own rigorous understandings of the Trinity, creation, self and will. Though Augustine's encounter with Stoicism ultimately resulted in much of his teaching being transferred to Descartes and other modern thinkers in an adulterated form, Hanby draws critical attention to Augustine's own disillusionment with Stoicism and his interrogation of Stoic philosophy in the name of Christ and the Trinity. Representing a new school of theology willing to engage critically with other disciplines and to challenge their authority, Augustine and Modernity offers a comprehensive new interpretation of De Trinitate and of Augustinian concepts of will and soul. Revealing how much of what is now thought of as 'Augustinian' in fact has its genealogy in Stoic asceticism, it interprets the modern nihilistic Cartesian subject not as a logical consequence of a true Christian Trinitarian theology, but rather of its perversion and abandonment.

Genres: Theology, Philosophy

304 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Augustine and Modernity is a clear challenge to the typical modern interpretation of Augustine as the father and precursor to Cartesian subjectivism. Arguing from a close reading of Augustine, particularly in the work of De Trinitate, Hamby shows that Augustine, in fact, offers an alternative to the pervasive subjectivism of post-Cartesian modernity. Hamby suggests the similarity between the stoic philosophy of Augustine's time and Cartesianism, and utilizes Augustine's engagement with stoicism, his concept of the the Trinity, and view of the human soul, as a way to deconstruct the stoic-Cartesian subjectivism. Particular moments in Hamby's treatment of Augustine leads one away from the idea of reading a scholarly work of Christian philosophy, and into a doxological attitude. Other points, however necessary, become tedious and remind readers again of the kind of text they are reading. Still a great contribution to Augustine studies, modernity, and the Church's reorientation after the fall of the Modern project.

[Eric Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very erudite discussion of Augustine and his relation to stoicism and the modern retrieval of stoicism in Descartes. Hanby critiques the common misconception that Augustine is merely a 'precursor' to the modern conception of the self, which even Charles Taylor seems to misplace as well in his _Sources of the Self_. Hanby provides a careful exposition of Augustine's _De Trinitate_ which serves as a helpful guide for the rest of Augustine's thought regarding the Trinity and how the self is an image of the love the Father has for the Son in the Spirit. A gorgeous, challenging, and highly recommended work!

[David Mosley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave this book three stars not so much for Hanby's treatment of Augustine or Decartes, but for his treatment of Cassian, Evagrius, and ultimately much of the Eastern tradition (albeit unconsciously) as Stoic.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Augustine is not the grandfather of Modernity, Descartes being the father. Phew.