A atualidade das obras De Mendacio (“Tratado sobre a mentira”) e Contra Mendacium (“Contra a mentira”) de Agostinho de Hipona em tempos de fake news, pós-verdade e deepfake

Abstract

This paper deals with the concept of lie according to the works De mendacio (395) and Contra mendacio (420) by Augustine of Hippo (354-430). It presents the Augustinian definition and classification of different types of lying and his position according to which a lie can never be justified, even if it is considered useful. The relevance of this concept is discussed in the light of the ideas of fake news, post-truth and deep-fake and the contemporary crisis of the concept of truth.