Final answer:
Augustine did not provide an alternative specific term for 'the present of past things' directly in his texts. Instead, he explored the concept through the lens of memory in his work 'Confessions,' where he describes the present experience of past events as memories. Augustine's theory of time is highly influential in the realms of philosophy and theology.
Step-by-step explanation:
Augustine of Hippo, a pivotal figure in the philosophy of late antiquity, developed a complex theory of time in his seminal work, Confessions. Addressing the nature of time and memories, Augustine suggests that we experience the present differently with respect to the past and the future. He introduces the notion of the 'present of past things,' which can be understood as the present experience of past events in the form of memories. While he does not give another name for this concept directly in his texts, the idea is that memories allow us to experience past events in the present moment.
Augustine's discussion on the nature of time is deeply connected with his theological inquiries and understanding of the human experience of temporality. In the uncertain times of the late Roman Empire, Augustine's philosophical reflections exemplified the search for stability and understanding. His insights not only shaped medieval scholasticism, as later seen in the work of Thomas Aquinas but also continue to resonate in contemporary philosophical dialogues.
Overall, Augustine's exploration of time, memory, and existence remains a critical component of the Western philosophical canon. His ideas on time have influenced a wide range of concepts and debates, from psychological studies of memory to metaphysical discussions on the nature of reality.