Consolation of Philosophy

Question 1

Boethius

Answer 1

Used a continuation of ancient philosophical thought; born 480 CE; aristocrat; became public servant (Important office), started translating ancient philosophy, arrested and accused of treason

Question 2

Why was Boethius arrested?

Answer 2

Two theories: stood up for another senator “If he is guilty so am I” but they took it the wrong way; Gothic king was an Arian and they disagreed

Question 3

Mennapeain satire

Answer 3

Alternating prose and poetry

Question 4

Role of philosophy

Answer 4

Therapeutic; comes to him as a healing lady and cures his depression

Question 5

Lady Philosophy

Answer 5

Represents tradition of philosophy; chases Muses away; tells him to stop pitying himself; says he has forgotten who he is; he has cast off the armor she has given him; shows him what he lost was not important

Question 6

What is Boethius’ problem?

Answer 6

Cast off the “armor” of philosophy; loss of energy; forgot who he was

Question 7

What did he lose that was unimportant?

Answer 7

Fake friends, possessions, and political power. But knowledge and virtues cannot be taken

Question 8

Philosophy

Answer 8

Living for truth and justice against nonsense. “Of course we get in trouble”

Question 9

Reference to God

Answer 9

Not explicitly the Christian God; philosophy belongs to all; God’s laws are virtues and these work for all religious views in philosophy