Rethinking Augustine's misunderstanding of the Stoic therapy of passions: a critical survey of metriopatheia and apatheia

Augustine's identification of the Stoic therapy of passions (apatheia) as moderation (metriopatheia) has long been a focus of controversy. This article examines the theoretical foundation for Augustine's comments on the relationship between apatheia and metriopatheia in the Stoic and the P...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Scottish journal of theology
Main Author: Gao, Yuan 1987- (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Cambridge Univ. Press [2019]
In: Scottish journal of theology
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains:B Augustinus, Aurelius, Saint 354-430 / Stoicism / Passion / Will / Psychotherapy
RelBib Classification:KAB Church history 30-500; early Christianity
NBE Anthropology
NCA Ethics
VA Philosophy
Further subjects:B Augustine
B metriopatheia
B Passions
B Apatheia
B Psychotherapy
B Stoicism
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Summary:Augustine's identification of the Stoic therapy of passions (apatheia) as moderation (metriopatheia) has long been a focus of controversy. This article examines the theoretical foundation for Augustine's comments on the relationship between apatheia and metriopatheia in the Stoic and the Peripatetic contexts, with particular focus on whether Augustine misrepresents his predecessors' doctrines. Based upon a critical examination of recent research and a systematic analysis of Augustine's position in various phases of his writing, this article argues for a dynamic scheme of the psychotherapy of passions in Augustine's late thought, in which he deliberately deviates from philosophical traditions by adopting new criteria to re-evaluate the quality of emotions from the perspective of theological anthropology. This dynamic theological vantage point contributes to Augustine's insight into passions as well as his new use of the philosophical terms in refuting the Stoic pride.
ISSN:1475-3065
Contains:Enthalten in: Scottish journal of theology
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1017/S0036930619000358