Purpose Of Education In Augustine's Confessions

It is important to note that Augustine wrote “Confessions” after he had been ordained a bishop. He was not simply writing it to tell his story, but as a deliberate act of evangelization, hoping to lead his people into deeper faith through it. The book itself has a unique genre, although normally classified as an autobiography, it is actaully written as an extended prayer. This is apparent from the beginning lines which question and proclaim the human condition as in relation to God. Augustine's discussion of his infancy brings to light the idea of “Incurvatus in Se”, which means to be turned inward on onself. This can be a simple definition of sin. Augustine's view on infants is that they are inexplicably turned in on themselves, without …show more content…
The proper purpose of education for Plato was to form a person for the good. However, in Augustine's experience of school, education was focused on success. His teachers trained him in rehtoric which would provide material success but did nothing for his character. It was within this time that Augustine recalls his first prayer, “don't let the teachers beat me.” Reflecting on this, he points to the fact that his prayer shows that he was truned in on himself, thinking only of how God could please …show more content…
However, evil does not have its own existence since it is simply the absence of good. Therefore it cannot be willed for its own sake. Rather, evil is putting a lesser good before a greater one. In the pear tree example, companionship is the lesser good that is put before the higher good of justice. In this, Augustine draws draws one to reflect on how man always wants what he cannot have. Rebellion is grasping at freedom, like a prisoner acting out to demonstrate some twisted form of freedom. The pear tree incident is an analogy for all sin, since all mankind is inprisoned by disordered inclinations. Augustine this example all throughout Confessions to arrive at what is going on in the human