Augustine of Hippo
Roman North Africa, fourth–fifth centuries
He analysed the order of love, the will, and the role of grace in Christian life.
Historical context
Augustine lived in the late Roman world. The Confessions and The City of God address personal, religious, and political questions of that setting.
Overview
A moral problem can be framed around what we love and in what order. A person may recognise a good yet direct their will towards other ends, raising questions about habit and grace.
Main claims
The ordering of loves and the role of the will are central to understanding moral life.
Debates and nuances
His writings respond to controversies and develop positions over time.
This entry provides educational context.