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Boethius

c. 470-524

Philosopher
Writer

 

Italy

Born into an aristocratic Christian family but orphaned early, Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius became a consul and advisor to Theodoric, Ostrogothic King of Italy. He wrote texts on mathematics and translated works by Aristotle into Latin, which would be some of the only ancient learning medieval scholars would be able to access for centuries. He fell out of favor and was imprisoned by Theodoric, during which time he wrote the Consolatio Philosophiae (the Consolation of Philosophy), which became extremely influential to medieval philosophy.

At the end of the imprisonment Boethius was executed. His biography was written by his colleague Cassiodorus.


On the Web

Anicius Manlius Severinus Boëthius
Heavily-hyperlinked bio at Wikipedia includes a look at the philosopher's works.

Catholic Encyclopedia: Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius
Concise biography by William Turner focuses on his contributions to theology, mathematics, music and logic.

The Consolatio Philosophiae
The Latin version of Boethius' The Consolation of Philosophy, accompanied by V. W. Cooper's English translation, is edited by James J. O'Donnell at the University of Pennsylvania, and includes biographical info and a select bibliography. Online at the University of Virginia.


In Print

The links below will take you to a site where you can compare prices at booksellers across the web. More in-depth info about the book may be found by clicking on to the book's page at one of the online merchants.

Boethius and Aquinas
by Ralph McInerny

Boethius on Signification and Mind
(Philosophia Antiqua, Vol 52)
by John C. Magee

The Medieval Boethius: Studies in the Vernacular Translations of De Consolatione Philosophiae
edited by A.J. Minnis


Related Resources

Philosophy & Theology
A multi-page index of philosophical and theological theories and the individuals who contributed them, from the early Middle Ages to the early Modern Age.

Early Europe
Directory of sites that offer useful resources for the study of Europe in Late Antiquty, or shortly after the fall of Rome.

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