Augustine, Epicurus, and External World Skepticism

The article treats possible Epicurean influences into the Augustinian strategy of refuting skepticism. The author considers three possible interpretations of the fragment of “Contra Academicos”, where “quasi earth” is mentioned, and prefers “Epicurean realist interpretation”, according to which all sensual perceptions are true, including even dreams and hallucinations. Augustine might not associate himself with such a view, but considered it an appropriate tool to refute the views of the Academic Skeptics.