The origins of the philosophy of election and the doctrine of predestination

This text describes the process of the emergence of the philosophy of election and the doctrine of predestination in the Western Christian tradition, its origins in Judaism and Greek philosophy, and examines its development in the first five centuries of Christianity. The author refers to the position of A. F. Losev, who asserts the importance of this topic for the entire history of philosophy and its enduring value. Special attention is paid to the differences between the ancient concepts of “destiny, fate” and the Christian concepts of “providence, predestination”. The author of the article believes that already from the moment the doctrine of predestination was formed, its apologists considered complete divine control and human free will compatible. The author sees in this a compatibilist approach to the question of the relationship between Divine omnipotence and human freedom. According to the author, the doctrine of predestination refers to a broader concept, namely the “philosophy of election”. Key figures that influenced the development of the doctrine are presented. Particular attention is paid to Apostle Paul and the assessment of his influence on the further formation of the doctrine of predestination and election. The views of Tertullian and Victorinus are assessed. Much attention is paid to Aurelius Augustine, who made a major contribution to the development of the doctrine and its defense. An assessment of the influence of Augustine on the further development of Western theology and philosophy, especially in matters of election and predestination, is given.