Rationality and its limits in patristic philosophy

In this article, the author considers the problem of the competences of rationality in theology using as his example Augustine of Hippo (354-430), a thinker who defined the subsequent development of all theology in the West. According to Augustine, the truths that are perceived by the soul perse ipsum are beyond doubt and irrefutable, which can be proven by the argument against skepticism. As well, the language of thought is similar to the perfect speech of Adam, which is able to adequately articulate its object; in this ur-language, the rational soul is able to consult with the eternal Wisdom of God. Furthermore, Augustine identifies Platonic ideas with the thoughts of God, and, since ideas are comprehensible, the thoughts of God are likewise comprehensible. Tese arguments taken together elevate the status of rationality to a unique, almost super-human level, quite distinct from the competences of the mind in Greek patristic thought