O segredo de Petrarca. Notas sobre a presença de Agostinho no De Secreto Conflictu Curarum Mearum

Abstract

This paper analyzes Petrarch’s De secreto conflictu curarum mearum from the viewpoint of the influence of Augustine of Hippo. It points out the doctrinal closeness between Petrarch and Augustine and emphasizes the acquaintance Petrarch had with Augustine’s works and doctrines. It also shows some topics present in the Secretum which reveal discordant positions between both, particularly on the nature of the human will, its autonomy regarding to emotions and their role on the human conversion toward good. Finally, it refers to the importance that Petrarch’s Secretum had on the new way of considering human nature which characterized Renaissance humanism.
Keywords: Petrarch, Secretum, Augustine, will, emotions.