The Use of Neoplatonism within Christianity: Augustine and Hildegard's Adoption of the Philosophy in Their Works

Abstract

This study examines the use of Neoplatonism by Augustine and Hildegard. Neoplatonism is a philosophy that was used by Chrisitan Theologians to explain and defend itself. Augustine was a theologian from late antiquity, and Hildegard was a theologian in the 12th century.

Using the works of Augustine and Hildegard and academic articles, this paper argues how they adapted Neoplatonism in similar ways, and how the different contexts they were in influenced their philosophies. This is evident when they both explain how the universe works and when they differ on how the apocalypse would come.