THE INFLUENCE OF NEOPLATONISM ON AUGUSTINE'S METAPHYSIC

Abstract

The study is an attempt to explore Neoplatonism and its influence on Augustine's metaphysics. Neoplatonism is a philosophical system that developed in the 3rd century AD, based on the teachings of Plato but significantly expanded by philosophers like PlotinusPorphyry, Iamblichus, and Proclus. It emphasizes a single, ultimate source of all reality, often called “the one” or “the good” which is completely transcendent and beyond human comprehension. The study attempts to locate Augustine's metaphysics as influenced by Plotinus. Despite the influence, Augustine differs slightly in his metaphysical assertions with regard to the creation of existing beings other than God. For Plotinus everything that exists was created out of an involuntary process of emanation from the one. For Augustine, everything that existed was created by God by a free, generous act of the divine will. Augustine incorporates the Neoplatonic understanding of evil as a privation of good offering a solution to the problem of evil in a manner that fits within Christian Theology. The soul's ascent to God in Augustine's thought, inspired by Neoplatonic journey of a soul toward the one is framed in Christian terms, emphasizing divine grace. This is qualitative research drawing its data from books, articles/periodicals and other internet sources. The research used the historical method to properly situate St. Augustine's philosophy within the frame of Neo-Platonic influence. The research employed the expository method with the view to articulating particularly the influence of Neo-Platonists on Augustine. The critical method was used to bring out clearly the points of agreement and divergence between Augustine and the Neo-Platonists. The research finds out that, Augustine's metaphysical views, particularly on God, creation, time, and the nature of evil, reflect a profound synthesis of Neoplatonism with Christian beliefs, laying a foundation for medieval Christian philosophy. However, Augustine never just regurgitated Neo-Platonist philosophy but disagreed with them in certain respects.