O mal como fenômeno decorrente da ação humana, em Agostinho de Hipona

Abstract

The evil is a problem that has troubled philosophers and theologians throughout history, and is still a reason for investigation for some lovers of knowledge. St. Augustine has long been plagued by this issue. In view of this, he adhered to the thoughts of Manicheans and Pelagians. However, dissatisfied with the answers obtained, he converted to Christianity, when he wrote the work De libero arbitrio, in an attempt to present a solution to the height required by the question. In his work, Augustine investigates the evil in creation and explains its relationship with will and free will. In this way, beings, through their actions, approach the Supreme Good or move away, triggering a happy or miserable life respectively. According to Augustine, although free will can also be used to sin, it is a necessary asset to prove that ontological evil does not exist and to ensure the moral value of actions committed by human beings. As a result of this faculty of free will, man can be truly and truly free, thus achieving happiness. On the other hand, also due to free will, the human being can use his will in a corrupt way, causing unhappiness.