AVGVSTINVS HIPONENSIS, VIR CHRISTIANUS, DICENDI PERITUS: Analysis of classical influences in the proposal of Augustinian oratorical training

Abstract

This work will expose an analysis of classical influences present in the proposal of Augustinian oratorical training, being developed in parallel with the study of concepts of rhetoric within Christianity. Aiming to note that the presentation prepared by Augustine of Hippo to the classical eloquence simultaneously reflects the rejection to his past and the ideas inherited by the Christian formation. Thus, it will realize that the old rhetorician proposes bases for a non artificial eloquence, whose bases reflect the Pauline conceptions -- strongly influenced by Platonism -- and the Latin rhetorical heritage, represented mainly by Cicero. Proposal developed during the fourth book of the treatise De doctrina Christiana, the focus of this study, where we see Augustine to reflect and to base the ideal of simple orator, with wise speech and non artificial.