Richard Dougherty: St. Augustine’s Roman Heroes: A Reconsideration of Roman Virtue

St. Augustine’s City of God is well-known for its critique of pagan virtue, in particular for its trenchant criticism in the first five books of the work of Roman political figures, ranging from Regulus to Lucretia to Cato Uticensis. That criticism reaches across the wide spectrum of Roman historical influence, including – as the work progresses -- its moral teachings, its military, philosophy, and theology. And yet, Augustine’s critique, as fulsome as it is, is perhaps not as categorical as it is often characterized. Thus, while he undoubtedly distances himself from claims of Roman greatness, he also acknowledges many attractive aspects of pagan thought and action. This paper will reassess the criticisms St. Augustine launches against the Romans with the express concern of teasing out the affirmations he provides of Roman actions and actors. While focusing primarily on the City of God, such an analysis will of necessity make at least some reference to critical passages in other works, such as his paean to Cicero’s lost Hortensius. One significant aspect of the analysis is the extent to which St. Augustine considers pagan virtue to be virtue in any significant way.