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History of philosophy. Lecture 32. Augustine: The Controversy with the Manichaeans

Creation of Man The creation of man is a reflection of the divine image, according to Augustine. The human soul and body are both creations, with the soul being superior.

Soul and Body The human consists of both soul and body. While the body is not an image in itself, it is still a creation with its own dignity. Augustine argues that people desire immortality due to their souls being superior to reason or consciousness.

Immortality of Soul Augustine emphasizes that the soul's immortality makes it more valuable than the body. He contrasts Plato's view on bodily limitations by highlighting how the instrument for physical use should be desired by the spirit rather than fully representing one's humanity.

Goodness vs Evil 'Evil' as absence or diminishment of 'good' is discussed using examples like rust on iron and illness for bodies but lessening life forces for souls. This leads into philosophical debates about free will, deception, truth-seeking nature versus falsehoods,