Boethius’s Consolation of Philosophy Flashcards
Question: Why was Boethius lamenting while in jail, and what realization did he have about Stoicism?
Answer: Boethius was lamenting his unjust imprisonment. He realized that Stoic philosophers believed human beings have little control over their circumstances, as Fortuna, the god of Fortune, governs most of what happens to them.
Question: What does it mean to be a philosopher, according to Stoicism, and how does it relate to Fortuna?
Answer: Being a philosopher, according to Stoicism, means understanding that Fortuna controls many aspects of life. It involves not placing complete faith in things controlled by an unpredictable and amoral force and preparing for the possibility of losing her gifts.
Question: What are some of the gifts of Fortune that Stoics believe can be lost at any moment?
Answer: The gifts that can be lost at any moment, according to Stoics, include love, family, children, prosperity, reputation, and career — many of the fundamental ingredients of happiness.
Question: Why do Stoic philosophers believe that wise individuals should not take Fortune’s gifts for granted?
Answer: Stoics believe that wise individuals should not take these gifts for granted because they can be lost in horrific circumstances at any moment. Taking them for granted can lead to inner torment and anxiety.
Question: What is the Stoic perspective on trying to control Fortuna’s actions, and why is it considered obtuse?
Answer: Stoics believe that trying to stop Fortuna from spinning her wheel is obtuse. The gifts she bestows are never truly ours, and believing we can take them back is foolish.
Question: What is the Stoic concept of the “inner citadel,” and what are examples of things that can never be taken away from you?
Answer: The “inner citadel” is a place of inner strength and serenity. Powers of reasoning are examples of things that can never be taken away from you.
Question: What does Boethius say about happiness in relation to romantic love and career success?
Answer: Boethius suggests that romantic love and career success, both sources of happiness, rely entirely on good fortune. Achieving peace of mind involves perceiving these ingredients of happiness as conduits to fundamental instability, inner torment, and anxiety.
Question: How does Boethius believe people become philosophers in life?
Answer: Boethius contends that people become philosophers not by studying or reading books but by realizing how little of their lives is truly within their control.
