Boethius

Category: Philosopher

Anicius Manlius Severinus Boëthius (ca. 480–524 or 525) was a Christian philosopher of the 6th century.  He was born in Rome to an ancient and important family which included emperors Petronius Maximus and Olybrius and many consuls.  His father, Flavius Manlius Boethius, was consul in 487 after Odoacer deposed the last Western Roman Emperor. Boethius himself was consul in 510 in the kingdom of the Ostrogoths. In 522 he saw his two sons become consuls.  So he was essentially – initially at least – a politician not a philosopher.

But just when Boethius was at the very height of power in Rome he was brought down 'by treachery'. He was accused of and imprisoned for the crime of treason by Ostrogothic King Theodoric the Great.  Boethius's only work of philosophy -  the Consolation of Philosophy -  was written during Boethius' one year imprisonment while awaiting trial, and eventual horrific execution in 525 AD. 

So whatever inspiration and wisdom can be found in the book is there from a mixture of loss of independence , overwhelming fear, as well as humiliation, [and this latter figures very very prominently] a rather potent combination producing high emotion very evident in the book.

Boëthius with his guide

In order to appreciate the arguments one has to place them within the context of Boethius's Christian belief in a sort of personal God who also should be on the side of 'good' and against 'bad'.  For me the text made interesting reading, not only because it is well written, with poems and allegorical additions as well as the philosophical thoughts, but because he ultimately disproves his own beliefs.

He agonised about  how it was possible that evil could exist in a world “governed by God”,  a view very characteristic of those who assume or are taught to believe that morals are from God and not man made.  He was also forced to face “fickle fortune”, while also considering the nature of happiness. It is clear that he equates happiness initially with wealth, fame, power, status and all the other things he has lost.  Argument after argument simply serves to demolish the beliefs he had.  It has been described as "by far the most interesting example of prison literature the world has ever seen."

Boethius writes the book as a conversation between himself and Lady Philosophy. She consoles Boethius by discussing the transitory nature of fame and the ultimate superiority of things of the mind, which she calls the "one true good". She contends that happiness comes from within.  She seems at times a personification of his Higher spirit.

Boethius considers questions such as the nature of predestination, “why evil men often prosper and good men fall into ruin”, human nature, virtue, and justice. He  asks if God knows and sees all, or does man have free will. Again all this presupposes a personal God.  For me it simply highlighted the weaknesses of all these beliefs.

Boethius sought to answer religious questions without reference to Christianity, relying solely on  philosophy in the Classical Greek tradition. So he comes from a Christian viewpoint but uses philosophical discussion, as such the results are fascinating.

His death was not at all nice as he had predicted

'The method of Boethius' execution varies in the sources; he was perhaps killed with an axe or a sword, or was clubbed to death. According to another version a rope was attached round his head and tightened till his eyes bulged out, then his skull was cracked.'

Observations

For iPad/iPhone users: tap letter twice to get list of items.

• Boethius - De Institutione Musica - The dangers of music
• Boethius - Misc quote - Since the Creator hath always an eternal and present state
• Boethius - The Consolation of Philosophy - All pleasures have one quality alike
• Boethius - The Consolation of Philosophy - All things Thou bringest forth from Thy high archetype
• Boethius - The Consolation of Philosophy - Although the lion wear decorated chains
• Boethius - The Consolation of Philosophy - But who still seeks to learn things that
• Boethius - The Consolation of Philosophy - Even things which are believed to be inanimate also desire
• Boethius - The Consolation of Philosophy - For I have swift and speedy wings
• Boethius - The Consolation of Philosophy - I will briefly show you what complete happiness hinges upon
• Boethius - The Consolation of Philosophy - If one thing is distinct from another
• Boethius - The Consolation of Philosophy - If plenty from her well stocked horn
• Boethius - The Consolation of Philosophy - Imagine a set of revolving concentric circles
• Boethius - The Consolation of Philosophy - On good and evil
• Boethius - The Consolation of Philosophy - On Good and Evil and the Great Work
• Boethius - The Consolation of Philosophy - Providence has given its creatures
• Boethius - The Consolation of Philosophy - Providence stings some people to avoid giving them happiness for too long
• Boethius - The Consolation of Philosophy - Since every reward is desired because it is believed to be good
• Boethius - The Consolation of Philosophy - The careful man will wish
• Boethius - The Consolation of Philosophy - The elements by harmony Thou dost constrain
• Boethius - The Consolation of Philosophy - The soul once cut
• Boethius - The Consolation of Philosophy - Think of the extent of the weakness impeding the wicked
• Boethius - The Consolation of Philosophy - This is why among wise men there is no place at all left for hatred
• Boethius - The Consolation of Philosophy - This world would never have coalesced into one form
• Boethius - The Consolation of Philosophy - What you thought of as the entirely undeserved power of the wicked
• Boethius - The Consolation of Philosophy - You who seek the upward way