Augustin und die Dialektik

How do dialectics serve the purpose of integrating Christian dogmas into the philosophical discourse of the early dialogues? In this study Tobias Uhle presents an analysis of Augustine's dialectical, that is logical, argumentation in the Cassiciacum dialogues ( Contra Academicos, De beata vita, De ordine, and Soliloquia, including De immortalitate animae). Augustine's arguments rest, at first, solely on pagan philosophical premises while specifically Christian concepts remain unseen or at least hidden in the background. By means of dialectical techniques Augustine finally manages to present Christian solutions to the issues discussed in the dialogues. In particular, Augustine deliberately eliminates pagan premises or skilfully Christianizes them. Thus, dialectics enables Augustine to establish Christian faith as a substantial alternative to pagan philosophy.