Boethius’ ‘Consolation of Philosophy’
A Critical Guide

The first collection of philosophical essays devoted exclusively to Boethius's Consolation of Philosophy by scholars of late antiquity and medieval philosophy.

Michael Wiitala (Edited by)

9781009288224, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 30 May 2024

268 pages
23.5 x 15.9 x 2 cm, 0.54 kg

Boethius' Consolation of Philosophy was one of the most widely read and influential texts in medieval Europe, considering questions such as How can evil exist in a world governed by God? And how is happiness still attainable despite the vicissitudes of fortune? Written as a dialogue between Boethius and Lady Philosophy, and alternating between poetry and prose, the Consolation is of interest not only to philosophers but to students of classics and literature as well. In this Critical Guide, the first collection of philosophical essays devoted exclusively to the Consolation, thirteen new essays demonstrate its ongoing vitality and break open its riches for a new generation of readers. The essays reflect the diverse array of approaches in contemporary scholarship and attend to both the literary features and the philosophical content of the Consolation. The volume will be invaluable for scholars of medieval philosophy, medieval literature, and the history of ideas.

Introduction Michael Wiitala
1. Boethius' Philosophiae consolatio: the intersection of literary form and philosophical content John Magee
2. The ascent from ð to è: or on philosophy's teaching a blind man to see Siobhan Nash-Marshall
3. Lady philosophy as a feminine personification of wisdom Wendy Elgersma Helleman
4. Boethius' christianity in the consolatio: a history of the debate Claudio Moreschini
5. The blending of pagan and Christian elements in book III of the consolatio Renato de Filippis
6. The human person in the consolation of philosophy Mark K. Spencer
7. Self-investigation, self-knowledge, and inner-conflict in Boethius' consolation of philosophy Antonio Donato
8. What it means to be a god: providence and punishment in the consolation of philosophy Paul DiRado
9. A consolation through philosophical insight? Boethius' practical philosophy Thomas Jürgasch
10. Being and existence in the consolation of philosophy Michael Wiitala
11. Circle and sphere metaphors for god's nature and providence in Boethius' consolation of philosophy and dionysius' On divine names Vladimir Cvetkoviæ
12. Time and eternity in the consolation of philosophy Jonathan Evans
13. Boethius on human freedom and divine foreknowledge Katherin Rogers
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Western philosophy: Medieval & Renaissance, c 500 to c 1600 [HPCB]