Precision and the limits of autopsy in Augustine’s critique of pagan divination
Book chapter
Hanaghan, Michael Peter. (2023). Precision and the limits of autopsy in Augustine’s critique of pagan divination. In The Intellectual World of Late Antique Christianity : Reshaping Classical Traditions pp. 426 - 442 Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108883559.025
Authors | Hanaghan, Michael Peter |
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Abstract | According to Augustine, the limits of human autopsy restricted certain modes of knowing which relied on detailed observations. This claim unites Augustine’s criticism of the power of daemons and of astrology to predict the future. The minute calculations that astrology requires are beyond human sense perception (Conf. 7.6.9–10; Doctr. chr. 2.23.34; Civ. 5.1–6), so are the tricks used by daemons which Augustine equates to abilities specific to animals, such as the olfactory skill of dogs (Div. 3.7; cf. Civ. 9.15). This chapter examines the influence of a variety of texts on Augustine’s thought, including Ambrose’s Hexaemeron, Cicero’s De divinatione, and Apuleius’ De deo Socratis. I argue that Augustine consistently focuses his rhetoric against pagan divination on the limits of human sense perception through a unique combination of criticisms, inspired by both the Christian and the classical canons. |
Keywords | Augustine; divination; astrology; daemons; classical tradition |
Page range | 426 - 442 |
Year | 01 Jan 2023 |
Book title | The Intellectual World of Late Antique Christianity : Reshaping Classical Traditions |
Publisher | Cambridge University Press |
Place of publication | United Kingdom |
ISBN | 9781108883559 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108883559.025 |
Web address (URL) | https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/intellectual-world-of-late-antique-christianity/precision-and-the-limits-of-autopsy-in-augustines-critique-of-pagan-divination/F1878D7470E54F4C6E0B0A3C7829B0AB |
Open access | Published as non-open access |
Research or scholarly | Research |
Publisher's version | License All rights reserved File Access Level Controlled |
Output status | Published |
Publication dates | |
Online | 05 Oct 2023 |
2023 | |
Publication process dates | |
Deposited | 26 Jun 2024 |
Additional information | © Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2023 |
https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/90q1q/precision-and-the-limits-of-autopsy-in-augustine-s-critique-of-pagan-divination
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