Victor YUDIN: The Place of (Neo)- Platonistm in Augustine's Resurrection Theory

This paper focuses on the evaluation of Augustine’s claim that Plato’sTim 41ab contains a resurrection theory. We do this assessment in four following steps. First, we try to evaluate Cicero’s Latin translation of the Timaeus dialogue, as it was used by Augustine in his analysis. I argue that Cicero’s translation was poor, and that therefore it was hardly possible  for Augustine to understand Plato’s original. Secondly, I consider whether Augustine was familiar with the Neo-Platonist exegesis of the Tim 41ab (by Porphyry, Iamblichus as later related by Proclus), and if so, to what extent, as he tries to convince the Neo-Platonists of the truth of the Christian teaching Curiously, he rebukes them for having a poor knowledge of Plato. I argue that Augustine was not familiar with Neo-Platonist reading of this text. Finally, we turn to the traditional use of this text by the preceding theologians (Athenagoras, Justin Martyr, Hypollytus etc.), with the aim of learning how faithful Augustine’s interpretation was to the Patristic tradition.