Brian E. Daley, S.J., University of Notre Dame
Augustine the philosopher is often presented today as little more than a historical curiosity, a link in the Latin tradition between fourth-century Christian Neoplatonism and the 'scientific' philosophy of the medieval schools. In this careful and original new study, Fr. Augustine Curley, OSB, looks at Augustine's early philosophical work Against the Academics within the more widespread classical tradition of 'esoteric' analysis and instruction, and challenges us to take the dialogue seriously in its own carefully constructed terms, as an affirmation of the human mind's innate ability to come to know truth. The book provides a fresh perspective on Augustine's thought that is well worth serious pondering.

Boniface Ramsey, Sacred Heart Priory
Augustine Curley's book offers a meticulous reading of the Contra Academicos and places it very firmly within the context of the dialogue form and its attendant activities. For those reasons, as well as because the literature on this early treatise of Saint Augustine is not as extensive as it should be, Curley's work is welcome indeed.

The publisher, Peter Lang Publishing
Augustine of Hippo (354-430) composed his Contra Academicos while preparing for the baptism he would receive at the hands of Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, in 387. In it he critiques the arguments of the Academic philosophers, who taught that nothing could be known. This study argues that Augustine's critique is based not so much on the epistemological aspects of skepticism, which has been the view of most modern studies of the dialogue, but rather on the effect that skepticism can have on society. Augustine Curley's book offers a meticulous reading of the Contra Academicos and places it very firmly within the context of the dialogue form and its attendant activities. For those reasons, as well as because the literature on this early treatise of Saint Augustine is not as extensive as it should be, Curley's work is welcome indeed. Boniface Ramsey, Sacred Heart Priory

FROM THE PUBLISHER