Augustine

Please choose one of the three topics below and address the questions in that topic. If you use any terms that were specifically defined by Augustine (viz., terms that were on the TQRS), then you must define that term, which requires the quote to define + interpretation. The citations provided in class on the “overhead” for the quiz definition can help you locate a good quote to use in defining. Be sure to watch the “Shopping List” video uploaded to Brightspace on 10/8. Also, be sure to go through the attached checklist before submitting the paper.

1. Thriving! – First, argue for Augustine’s position concerning what all is required so you can thrive and live the happy life. Second, apply three aspects of this Augustinian argument you’ve just presented to one statement concerning one action from the Good People in an Evil Time testimonies that we read during Augustine¨ to show exactly how that individual© succeeded or failed with regard to living the happy life, why, and a lesson this gives you for your own pursuit of the happy life. Third, provide your own argument, your own terms and concepts (building perhaps from past OAs, not Plato or Augustine), concerning what it means to live a thriving existence (must define and argue), what virtue (define the specific virtue and argue its role) is specifically required to do this and why.
2. Misery and Negativity – First, argue for Augustine’s position concerning what specifically it means to live a miserable, unsatisfied life with an evil will, how turning away from wisdom itself is the cause of such a will, and how pride ultimately lies at the root of such disorder. Second, apply three aspects of this Augustinian argument you’ve just presented to one statement concerning one action from the Good People in an Evil Time testimonies that we read during Augustine^¨ to show how the good desired by one individual^© shows him/her to have turned away from wisdom itself, how this stems from pride and must result in the wretchedness, including also a lesson for your own choices of what you love above all else. Third, provide your own argument, your own terms and concepts (building perhaps from past OAs, not Plato or Augustine), concerning what it means to “live poorly” (must define and argue) and how this bad life will be the result if you fail to consider “the true” (include definition and argue connection).
3. Love – First, argue for Augustine’s position on why wisdom itself is the most lovable or desirable good for you as a rational being, including in your answer the three most important reasons why you ought to cling to this good above all others. Second, apply three aspects of this Augustinian argument you’ve just presented to one statement concerning one action from the Good People in an Evil Time testimonies that we read during Augustine^¨ to show how the good desired by one individual^© shows s/he rightly or wrongly loved, also including in your application two of the three reasons you have argued from Augustine, and what lesson you are taking away for the goods you love. Third, provide your own argument, your own terms and concepts (building perhaps from past OAs, not Plato or Augustine), concerning what it means to “love to inquire” (must define and argue) and the importance of “the good” (include definition and argue connection) to avoid merely following the crowd.