Question

In reference to Augustine's On the Free Choice of WIll: Why does Augustine argue that we will be misled if, in our efforts to understand evil, we look at the external (overt) act? Why must we consider the internal state? How does this help us to clarify evil? What is a lustful (inordinate) desire? How do we distinguish blameworthy desires from good desires?

Answer 1

Why does Augustine argue that we will be misled if, in our efforts to understand evil, we look at the external (overt) act?

Ans. Augustine defined that God is omnipotent and gave us free will unconditionally so morally bounded not to interfere. If we use our effort to understand evil, we will look the evil according to external behaviour and act. The Evil can be moral or any other type so we cannot define it adequately.

Why must we consider the internal state?

Ans. External value is dynamic and follow the rules of nature, while the internal state is ideal and real true. If we consider external state we will only find physical rules but considering internal state, we’ll get free will.

How does this help us to clarify evil?

Ans. every case of genuine moral evil in the world stems from the voluntary choices of free agents. Augustine declares that freedom is a necessary condition for the ascription of moral responsibility. It may not be sufficient; other circumstances, such as ignorance of some relevant circumstances, might absolve a free agent of responsibility. But it is at least necessary. This view is widely shared among philosophers, even today.

What is a lustful (inordinate) desire?

Ans. The word lustful or inordinate desire belong to physical pleasure and physical importance. Ex- sex, pleasure etc.

How do we distinguish blameworthy desires from good desires?

Ans. Good desire are those who related to internal state and internal relax, a good desire take you come close to yourself while blameworthy desires are physical.