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How did Aristotle and St. Augustine differ in their views about the natural world and government?

User Nuno Silva
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Final answer:

Aristotle and St. Augustine differed in their views about the natural world and government. Aristotle focused on the worldly existence and believed in different types of virtuous governments. St. Augustine believed in the two cities concept and saw the role of the state in relation to the mission of salvation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Aristotle and St. Augustine had different views about the natural world and government. Aristotle was more focused on the worldly existence and believed that the universe was comprehensible. He believed that reason should serve as a guide for ordering our lives.

On the other hand, St. Augustine believed in the concept of the two cities - the earthly and the heavenly. He saw the earthly world as flawed and imperfect, while the heavenly world was perfect and attainable through Christian faith.

In terms of government, Aristotle believed in different types of virtuous governments such as monarchy, aristocracy, and polity. St. Augustine, being a Christian philosopher, focused more on the role of the state in relation to the greater mission of salvation. He believed that the decline of the Empire was irrelevant to this mission.

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