3. How do Augustine's interests in astrology and the writings of Aristotle demonstrate that education is not easy and that there is no straight movement toward wisdom?
Augustine points out that the pursuit of wisdom outside of Christ is a very confusing and time-wasting act. While knowledge in the terms of man can be considered to be universally understood and agreed upon, wisdom varies across the earth as the people who populate it. Augustine retrospectively sees himself looking for philosophical Truth in those only esteemed in human knowledge. But these 'knowers' are only in contact with our physical, human world. Augustine sees the need to search for knowledge among humans, but Truth and wisdom is something of only divine possession, something we must look past humans for. Humans may be a means of being guided toward philosophical Truth, but never was/is/will be the final means of obtaining it. Education, therefore while being an appropriate means of learning, is not an effective manner to pursue Truth, considering the vast array of opinions and worldviews to select from. Had Augustine not had realised this, he very well could've spent his lifetime experimenting in every ideology known and still be able to makeup an infinite amount himself.
Augustine points out that the pursuit of wisdom outside of Christ is a very confusing and time-wasting act. While knowledge in the terms of man can be considered to be universally understood and agreed upon, wisdom varies across the earth as the people who populate it. Augustine retrospectively sees himself looking for philosophical Truth in those only esteemed in human knowledge. But these 'knowers' are only in contact with our physical, human world. Augustine sees the need to search for knowledge among humans, but Truth and wisdom is something of only divine possession, something we must look past humans for. Humans may be a means of being guided toward philosophical Truth, but never was/is/will be the final means of obtaining it. Education, therefore while being an appropriate means of learning, is not an effective manner to pursue Truth, considering the vast array of opinions and worldviews to select from. Had Augustine not had realised this, he very well could've spent his lifetime experimenting in every ideology known and still be able to makeup an infinite amount himself.
Very good response, Luke. His fascination with Astrology and those men of renown who had written about it remains a strong compulsion for Augustine. Education for Augustine is not necessarily the "road" to wisdom as it had been for Plato. As you rightly point out there are flaws in the system, flaws which magnify the corruptibility of the human mind. Although God is able to work through education, ultimate truth is found in pursuit of wisdom in and through Him alone. This is a revelation that Augustine comes to through his thorough investigation of human wisdom at his disposal.
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