Introduction to the Philosophy of Saint Augustine (continued)
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AN OUTLINE OF
Pie LIFE ORS). ALIGUSTINE
Wr lly
I. Early Life to Conversion (354-386)
Born at Tagaste, Africa (Souk Arrhas, Algeria) , November
S04.
13. His father, Patricius, was a Roman administrator and a pagan. His mother Monica (or Monnica) was a Christian.
Returns home from studying rhetoric and literature at Madaura, after an idle childhood. Falls into dissipation and sin. At end of year departs for Carthage.
Patricius dies. Augustine supported at Carthage by his mother and his friend Romanianus. Takes a mistress.
Birth of his son Adeodatus.
372-373. Cicero's Hortensius awakens in him a strong desire for true wisdom. Converted to Manicheism.
Teaches at Tagaste.
Returns to Carthage after the death of a close friend. 'Teaches at Carthage. Wins a prize in a poetry contest.
Abandons astrology.
Meeting with Faustus. Break with Manicheism imminent.
Moves to Rome and establishes a school of rhetoric. Embraces Scepticism. Visits Ambrose at Milan.
Accepts a post at Milan. Attends the sermons of Bishop Ambrose. Develops considerable interest in and enthusiasm for the philosophies of Plato and Plotinus.
Doubts about Christianity removed through the teaching of Ambrose, but he is held back by the flesh. He becomes again a Catechumen.