ABSTRACT
§ 1 . The work of St. Augustine is dominated by aims which partly assist and partly retard his inquiries. As a philosopher he seeks for truth, for knowledge that is without presuppositions and wholly certain, and this he finds only in inner experience. In the writings of Augustine we find a second influence, the theological bent, which employs revelation as the guarantee of truth. Knowledge is therefore divisible into two main classes according as it is derived from revelation or from introspection. In the sphere of metaphysics the nature of inner experience is made the starting-point for the construction of a metaphysic of knowledge, and this is Augustine’s main interest. Subservient to this is the life of the self, the nature, origin, and faculties of the soul; which also attract the attention of Augustine for reasons both philosophical and theological. For the study of psychic life the power of accurate introspective observation is supremely valuable; throughout the work of Augustine we find this power exhibited in a remarkable degree.
