The relationship between Augustine's thought and the Cartesian cogito

The certainty of human existence as a condition for the possibility of error and doubt

Abstract

This study aims to identify and discuss the reasons through which it is plausible the hypothesis that the Cartesian cogito and some other aspects of Descartes’ philosophy were possibly inspired by Augustine’s thought. The analysis is meant to identify not only the similarities between the Augustinian and Cartesian ideas, but also to indicate some fundamental differences between the philosophy of each author, which otherwise suggests that there was no Augustinian influence on Descartes’ work. The reflection about such differences is important to discern their works, preventing an uncritical association between them. Thus, the present text has the intention to show that the two interpretations are valid.