Rappresentazioni della natura nel De Genesi ad litteram di Agostino

The De Genesi ad litteram, among Augustine of Hippo’s (354-430) works, is the text that most deeply explores the theme of nature and of its representations. This paper, entirely devoted to this twelve books literal commentary on Genesis 1-3, is organized into four sections. Firstly, the origin and the status of the created natures are explored, to clarify the exact meaning of the notion of “creation” (creatio). Secondly, the representations of the divine action towards the cosmos are taken into consideration, to evaluate their use and philosophical functions. In addition, the relation between biblical exegesis and the natural science is taken into account, to point out Augustine’s positive attitude towards the scientific study of the natural world. Finally, Augustine’s view of the “natural order” (ordo naturae) is considered, with special reference to the question of the ontological status of miracles.