Boethius

Broschiertes Buch

The Consolation of Philosophy

Beschreibung

Saint Anicius Manlius Severinus Boëthius, commonly called Boethius (477–524 AD), was a Roman senator, consul, magister officiorum, and philosopher of the early 6th century. He was born about a year after Odoacer deposed the last Roman Emperor and declared himself King of Italy. Boethius entered public service under Ostrogothic King Theodoric the Great, who later imprisoned and executed him in 524 on charges of conspiracy to overthrow him.[4] While jailed, Boethius composed his Consolation of Philosophy, a philosophical treatise on fortune, death, and other issues, which became one of the most popular and influential works of the Middle Ages. As the author of numerous handbooks and translator of Aristotle, he became the main intermediary between Classical antiquity and following centuries. The Consolation of Philosophy was written in AD 523 during a one-year imprisonment Boethius served while awaiting trial – and eventual execution – for the alleged crime of treason under the Ostrogothic King Theodoric the Great. Boethius was at the very heights of power in Rome, holding the prestigious office of magister officiorum, and was brought down by treachery. This experience inspired the text, which reflects on how evil can exist in a world governed by God (the problem of theodicy), and how happiness is still attainable amidst fickle fortune, while also considering the nature of happiness and God. It has been described as "by far the most interesting example of prison literature the world has ever seen."[4] A link to Christianity is often assumed, yet there is no reference made to Jesus Christ or Christianity or any other specific religion other than a few oblique references to Pauline scripture, such as the symmetry between the opening lines of Book 4 Chapter 3 and 1 Corinthians 9:24. God is however represented not only as an eternal and all-knowing being, but as the source of all Good. Boethius writes the book as a conversation between himself and Lady Philosophy. Lady Philosophy consoles Boethius by discussing the transitory nature of fame and wealth ("no man can ever truly be secure until he has been forsaken by Fortune"), and the ultimate superiority of things of the mind, which she calls the "one true good". She contends that happiness comes from within, and that virtue is all that one truly has, because it is not imperilled by the vicissitudes of fortune. (wikipedia.org)

Autor

Boethius, born in 480 AD, was a member of the influential Anicii family in Rome but lost his parents at a young age. He was adopted by the esteemed senator Symmachus, who provided him with a rich education in both Latin and Greek traditions. Rising quickly in Roman society, Boethius became consul in 510 AD and later gained prominence as an advisor to King Theodoric.A passionate scholar, Boethius aimed to unite classical Greek philosophy with Christian theology. He translated and commented on works by Plato and Aristotle, ensuring their preservation and influence in the West. His writings on subjects such as logic, music, and mathematics laid the foundation for medieval education and profoundly shaped the intellectual traditions of the Middle Ages.Boethius's political career ended in tragedy when he was accused of treason by Theodoric, likely due to his defense of the Senate and his opposition to corruption. Imprisoned in 523 AD, he wrote The Consolation of Philosophy, a reflection on fortune, suffering, and virtue. Executed in 524 AD, Boethius left behind a philosophical legacy that would resonate for centuries, cementing his role as a bridge between classical and medieval thought.

Produktdetails

• Verlag: IndoEuropeanPublishing.com
• Seitenzahl: 150
• Erscheinungstermin: 21. Juni 2019
• Englisch
• Abmessung: 229mm x 152mm x 8mm
• Gewicht: 228g
• ISBN-13: 9781644392058
• ISBN-10: 1644392054
• Artikelnr.: 57013909