boethius and the consolation of philosophy

One thing that must be said straight away as regards the book is that although it is a philosophical text – loosely styled after a Socratic dialogue – The Consolation of Philosophy is also very poetic and very accessible. The lady questions why the Muses are there, for they cannot be of any help, and then proceeds to offer her consolation.Īs the setting and the title imply, the book is written with the goal of what comfort may be found by way of philosophy in such a circumstance as prison, a theodicy of sorts examining good and evil, fate and free will, God and man. The narrative begins with the author being attended to by the Muses in his weary ruminations, and then being confronted by Lady Philosophy (exemplifying the hostilities which actually existed between the ancient philosophers and the poets). The book is both a narrative and a work of philosophy. This edition includes a biographical afterword.

Meant to provide himself with some solace in the face of his fated execution, Boethius' 'The Consolation of Philosophy' is a work that has provided spiritual guidance to those in despair ever since its first appearance. In it he ponders the universal question of Theodicy, or why a benevolent and all powerful God allows evil to manifest in the world, and on the transitory nature of fortune. 'The Consolation of Philosophy' is a classical exposition of human nature as Boethius reflects on the treacherous betrayal that led to his fall from favor with his lord. During Boethius's year-long imprisonment leading up to his execution he wrote 'The Consolation of Philosophy,' a work that would become regarded as one of the most important and influential works from medieval times.

In 523 A.D., he would find himself accused of treasonous correspondence with Justin I, a charge that would land him in prison and ultimately lead to his execution. Ultimately, he would rise to the position of magister officiorum, the head of all the government and court services. Born in the late 5th century AD, Boethius was a Roman statesman and philosopher who would come into the service of the Ostrogothic ruler of Italy, Theodoric the Great.

Boethius and the consolation of philosophy