Eternal Law, Reason, and Wisdom

Each of the three books of "On Free Choice of the Will" addresses a distinct issue concerning God, humanity, and moral values. The first book begins with Evodius questioning whether God is the cause of evil. The second book investigates why humans have been granted free will. The final book discusses the compatibility of divine foreknowledge with genuine human freedom.

The discussions, particularly regarding virtues and vices, weave into these topics, illuminating Augustine's understanding of human nature, moral choice, and divine influence. In the first book, Augustine introduces several key concepts that frame his thoughts on virtues, including the idea of eternal law, described as a "stronger and secret law" by Evodius. Augustine asserts:

"Will not any intelligent man regard that law as unchangeable and eternal, which is termed the law of reason? We must always obey it; it is the law through which wicked men deserve an unhappy, and good men a happy life..."

He concludes that eternal law dictates the proper order of all things, offering a model for human rationality and providing guidance for the will. Augustine states:

"When reason, or mind, or spirit controls the irrational motions of the soul, then that element is ruling in man which ought to rule in virtue of that law which we have found to be eternal."

This control by reason is not automatic; the will plays a crucial role in determining whether reason or base desires take precedence. Here, the cardinal virtues—prudence, justice, courage, and temperance—emerge prominently.

Further, Augustine posits wisdom as a higher state of being that encompasses prudence, asserting that true wisdom comes when reason governs all aspects of the soul, including emotions and desires. However, in our present lives, this wisdom is often only partial due to the complexities of free will.

Bad Choices and the Vices

The reality of human existence involves making poor choices, which can lead us away from wisdom. Such choices create a disorder that blocks our path to knowledge and happiness. Augustine notes the resulting turmoil:

"The mind becomes ruled by passion, losing its store of virtue and often unable to discern truth from falsehood."

He emphasizes that this chaotic state is a punishment for those who do not pursue wisdom, acknowledging that wisdom must be actively sought and clung to, rather than passively awaited. Notably, he juxtaposes passions with various negative character states, suggesting a connection to traditional vice lists.

The Cardinal Virtues in Book 1

Augustine's references to virtues are notably brief, yet each of the four cardinal virtues encapsulates broad aspects of ethical behavior. He defines a good will in three dimensions: the pursuit of virtuous living, the quest for wisdom, and the desire for righteousness. These dimensions are interconnected, guiding individuals toward the right moral path.

He succinctly defines each virtue, prompting readers to contemplate their meanings:

"Does prudence not involve knowing what to seek and what to avoid?"

"Is fortitude not the state of the soul that disregards misfortune?"

"Is temperance not the capacity to control desires for shameful things?"

"And justice—what is it but giving each person their due?"

Augustine argues that a person who nurtures a good will will inherently possess these virtues. This individual will exercise prudence by consistently choosing goodness over lesser goods, while also exhibiting courage in the face of temptation.

Additionally, temperance serves as a moderation of bodily desires, while justice represents the virtue of giving each their rightful due. Augustine emphasizes that true virtue entails more than mere adherence to rules; it involves an emotional and cognitive commitment to the good.

More on the Cardinal Virtues

In Book 1, Augustine presents the four cardinal virtues as essential to a well-ordered life, enabling individuals to resist temptation and respond appropriately to challenges. While distinct from wisdom, each virtue contributes to a deeper understanding of moral principles.

In Book 2, Augustine further elaborates on virtues as forms of knowledge, describing them as immutable truths that guide human behavior. He asserts:

"It is enough that you see, as I do, that the principles and illuminations of virtues are true and unchangeable."

These truths provide a framework for understanding good and evil, right and wrong. Augustine emphasizes the communal nature of truth and wisdom, asserting that wisdom can be universally shared and pursued.

A Bit More on Truth and Wisdom

Augustine highlights the unique nature of truth and wisdom, likening them to sight and sound, which can be shared without diminishing anyone’s experience. He explains that while personal experiences and thoughts are private, truths remain accessible to all who seek them.

He acknowledges the diversity in perceptions of wisdom but insists that wisdom itself remains constant, regardless of individual perspectives. This universality reinforces the notion that virtues serve as pathways to wisdom.

Through the virtues, individuals can order their lives, not only in actions but also in how they assess various goods. Augustine posits that virtues provide a moral compass, aligning one’s will with a greater good.

Higher Goods and the Middle Good of the Will

In Book 2, Augustine categorizes goods into three levels. At the lowest tier are goods that, while beneficial, are not essential for a fulfilling life. Higher goods, on the other hand, are necessary for living well and cannot be misused, such as justice and virtue.

The will occupies a crucial position between these two categories. It is essential for making moral choices and can be misdirected or rightly oriented. Augustine emphasizes that the will must cling to unchanging goods to achieve true virtue.

He illustrates that the will can choose poorly by prioritizing private goods over common good. The virtues, as integral to right living, guide the will toward making ethical decisions that lead to happiness.

Ultimately, individuals must navigate their relationship with truth and wisdom, seeking to align their choices with the principles that govern virtuous living.

The first video titled Augustine, On Free Choice of the Will | The Will and The Virtues | Philosophy Core Concepts provides an overview of Augustine's exploration of free will and its relation to virtues.

The second video, The Virtues in Augustine's On Free Choice of The Will - Philosophy Core Concepts, delves into the cardinal virtues discussed in Augustine's work, offering insights into how they shape moral decision-making.

I'm Gregory B. Sadler, the president of ReasonIO, an editor, speaker, and writer dedicated to exploring philosophy through various mediums. I teach at Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and offer classes through my online academy, Study With Sadler.