patristic

The Patristic, Patristic School or Patristic Philosophy, was a Christian philosophical current of medieval times which appeared in the 4th century.

It receives this name because it was developed by several priests and theologians of the Church, who were called “Church Fathers”.

Its most important figure was Saint Augustine of Hippo.

Characteristics of Patristics

Patristics is considered the first phase of medieval philosophy. Its main feature was the expansion of Christianity in Europe and the fight against heretics.

Therefore, this philosophical doctrine was represented by the thought of the Church Fathers, who gradually helped in the construction of Christian theology.

Based on Greek philosophy, the philosophers of this period had as their main objective to understand the relationship between divine faith and scientific rationalism. That is, they sought the rationalization of the Christian faith.

Therefore, the main themes explored were anchored in the strands of Manichaeism, skepticism and Neoplatonism. They are:creation of the world; resurrection and incarnation; body and soul; sins; free will; divine predestination.

Patristics and Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine (354-430) was a theologian, bishop, philosopher and the main exponent of Patristics. His studies have focused on the struggle of good and evil (Manichaeism) as well as Neoplatonism.

In addition, he focused on developing the concept of “original sin” and “free will” as a way of getting rid of evil. “Divine predestination”, associated with the salvation of men by divine grace, was also one of the themes explored by Augustine.

He believed in the fusion of faith (represented by the Church) and reason (represented by Philosophy) to find the truth. That is, the two could work together, whose reason would help the search for faith, which in turn, could not be achieved without rational thought.

Pastry and Scholasticism

Patristicism was the first period of medieval philosophy that lasted until the 8th century. For seven centuries, philosophy focused on the teachings of the “men of the Church” (theologians, priests, bishops, etc.).

Soon after, Scholasticism appeared in the 9th century and remained until the beginning of the Renaissance, in the 16th century.

Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), called the “Prince of Scholasticism”, is the greatest representative of this school and his studies became known as Thomism. He was named Doctor of the Catholic Church in 1567.

Like Patristicism, Scholastic philosophy was also inspired by Greek philosophy and the Christian religion. His dialectical method of uniting faith and reason was aimed at human growth.

It is important to note that his studies were inspired by Aristotelian realism, while those of Saint Augustine were focused on Plato's idealism.

Thus, Patristics focused on the dissemination of dogmas associated with Christianity, for example, defending the Christian religion and refuting paganism.

Scholasticism, through rationalism, tried to explain the existence of God, heaven and hell, as well as the relationship between man, reason and faith.

Also read:Scholastic Philosophy and Medieval Philosophy.