Abstract

The article considers the Augustinian notion of ‘return’ and its underlying philosophical presuppositions from different points of view. In order to do so, we first investigate Augustine’s use of the terminology of return as a way of conceptualising the relation of the soul with the sensible and intelligible realities. This is followed by a review of Augustine’s Platonic epistemological thought on sense perception and sensible reality itself. Thirdly, Augustine’s thought on the role of the ‘double way’ of authority and reason (or the Liberal Disciplines) in the realisation of this ‘return’ is examined. Finally, some conclusions are presented.