Rationem priorem esse natura, auctoritatem uero tempore didicimus. L’autorità di Agostino sottoposta alla ragione nel pensiero di Eriugena
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54103/2035-7362/28831Keywords:
Eriugena, Augustine, Auctoritas, Reason, Critical ThoughtAbstract
Autoritas was a foundational principle in medieval thought, serving as a criterion for legitimising theological and speculative doctrines. The validity of a theory was determined by its conformity to the teachings of authoritative figures such as the Church Fathers. Among these, Augustine of Hippo held a prominent position in the Western tradition. John Scottus Eriugena, while recognizing the esteemed authority of Augustine, critically reassessed its absolute validity through rational thought. This article examines Eriugena’s philosophical method, highlighting his approach to Augustine’s authority. The Irish thinker’s works, such as De praedestinatione liber and Periphyseon, illustrate the balance he sought to achieve between critical reasoning and tradition.
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