| Abstract [eng] |
The dissertation examines the development of the conception of language of St. Augustine (354–430), a prominent thinker of late Antiquity. It is maintained that, in his early works, such as De dialectica (387) and De magistro (c. 389), true language is primarily considered as articulated vocal speech (verbum vocis). Whereas, in his mature works, most notably, De doctrina christiana (Books I–III, 396/397; Book IV, 426/427) and De Trinitate (c. 399–420/427), it is reconceptualised as mental or inner speech (verbum in corde), which itself serves as the foundation of the articulated speech. It is argued that this turn in focus is based on his constant effort to find balance among being (esse), thinking (cogitare), and speaking (dicere), and this does not imply any inconsistency. The interrelations among being, thought, and verbal signification are approached in several compatible ways, i.e., the early approach can be regarded as a preparatory framework for a more inward account of language. The dissertation’s main contribution lies in disclosing new aspects of the three vertices of Augustine’s semiotic triangle – the object, the sign that signifies it, and the concept – as well as the tensions that arise within this triangular structure. Furthermore, the dissertation’s strength lies in its approach, which focuses on the interplay between theological and philosophical registers in Augustine’s thought. The interpretative strategy that has been employed is not only justifiable because it clarifies how Augustine’s ideas about language developed, but also because it leads to a more integrated understanding of his overall argumentation. This guarantees the growing hermeneutic value of subsequent analysis based on it. |
