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ABSTRACT
St. Augustine, a towering figure in the history of Christianity, has contributed significantly to philosophical and theological discourse, including his understanding of happiness. This paper critically examines Augustine's concept of happiness by analyzing his writings, particularly in his seminal work "Confessions." Augustine posited that true happiness, or beatitude, is found in the eternal and unchangeable realm of God rather than in the fleeting pleasures of the material world. His notion of happiness is deeply rooted in his theological framework, emphasizing the alignment of the individual's will with the divine will as the ultimate source of fulfillment. However, Augustine's conception of happiness has been subject to criticism, particularly regarding its perceived otherworldly focus and its potential to devalue earthly existence. This paper explores these criticisms and evaluates the relevance and applicability of Augustine's concept of happiness in contemporary philosophical and theological discussions. Ultimately, it seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of Augustine's perspective while considering its implications for contemporary notions of happiness and well-being.
