A relação entre ética e felicidade na filosofia de Agostinho uma análise a paitir da obra de Civitate Dei paite II (livros XI a XXII).

Abstract

The present work consists of the elaboration of a master's thesis, based on bibliographic research, with the primary theoretical reference being the work De Civitate Dei (Part II, Books XI to XXII). The main objective is to demonstrate that, although the ultimate goal of ethics and happiness in Augustine is God, the path to reach this telos (τέλος) occurs in the concreteness of earthly existence. The dissertation will show that, despite Augustine's emphasis on the transcendent, largely influenced by Platonic and Plotinian philosophies, he does not undervalue the importance of the immanent reality. Augustine proposes the centrality of transcendence in God, emphasizing that human history, marked by sin, finds its restoration through the salvific sacrifice of Christ. In this context, Augustine contrasts the City of God with the earthly city, indicating that it is in the Civitate Dei that the true Christian can adequately correlate the ethical path that leads to True Happiness (Beata Vitae), which is realized by fulfilling God's will. The philosopher of Hippo argues that love is the foundation of ethical action in society, and true happiness lies in an internal experience, not in external goods. For this happiness to be complete, it must extend to coexistence in the Civitas, where ethical practice is shared among citizens. The role of politics in Augustine's philosophy will also be discussed, highlighting how the relationship between divine love and justice is intrinsically linked to social interactions within the Civitas. Finally, the study emphasizes that, although Augustine was a thinker of his time, his thought remains relevant today, suggesting that his ethics can be adapted to contemporary reality, both in the transcendent and immanent spheres, given that respect for human dignity is timeless and essential, especially in today’s world.