Augustine and the Philosophy of Time

Last time, we discussed ancient conceptions of time up to Plotinus.
This time, we will read and discuss fragments from Augustine’s Confessions.

At Saturday’s meeting, we will explore:

• In what sense does time exist at all, if the past no longer exists and the future does not yet exist?
• What is eternity: an infinite duration of time, or something else entirely?
• How can the shift from living in “extended” time toward an orientation to eternity free the soul from the tyranny of regret and anxiety?

Reading for the seminar: Augustine, Confessions, Book XI.
Those who have already read this chapter for the previous meeting may also consult chapters 9–12 of the treatise On the Book of Genesis, where Augustine, drawing on the Bible, reflects on the creation of time and light.

The session will be led by Daniil Aronson, PhD in Philosophy and a graduate of the Higher School of Economics.