Aarhus University Seal

Anders-Christian Jacobsen

Professor

Anders-Christian Jacobsen
See relations at Aarhus University

 

Elaborate CV

 Research management

The research project will trace the historical roots and transformations of the modern conception of the human being and the human values of dignity and freedom, especially in theological and philosophical traditions. In modern western societies, the ideal human being has the right to think, believe, and express itself freely without fearing retribution and to be treated as an autonomous and dignified individual. But such a conception is not shared by all – and never was. Its long history has been formed through a continuous battle between two theological and philosophical traditions going back to Origen of Alexandria and Augustine of Hippo, respectively. Origen saw humans as free, valuable, and dignified beings, while Augustine saw them as predestined, sinful, and bound to servitude. The project’s research will continuously circle around this battle between the opposing negative and positive views on humanity that we encounter in various contexts from antiquity to modern times. Thereby, the project will raise awareness of how ancient philosophical and religious tenets still shape political, moral, and anthropological categories and modes of thinking as well as principles of human conduct.

http://itn-humanfreedom.eu/

Research areas

  • Antiquity Augustine Irenaeus Origen
  • Dogma and creed Antiquity and Christianity Apologetics Canon Christology Creation Doctrine of Trinity Eschatology God History of Doctrines History of Theology Patristics Religion and normativity Theology of the Early Church
  • Fathers of the church Apologists Augustine Gregor Irenaeus Origen
  • History of the reception of the Bible Interpretation of the Bible in the Ancient Church

View all (212) »

Latest activities and conferences

ID: 2179