Intellect, Purification, and Deification in Middle Platonism and Augustinian Philosophy

The chapter discusses the concepts of intellect needing contemplative unity, purification of the intellect for union with the One, and how Middle Platonism evolved alongside Christianity in terms of soul purification. It explores ideas of deification in Latin tradition, focusing on Augustine's harmonization with the Eastern tradition. Additionally, there is an analysis of Augustine's views on political forms, the Roman Empire, divine providence, and the distinction between the city as presented in Plato and Augustinian philosophy.