The topic our group discussed last class was Boethius. Boethius was a pretty smart guy. He wrote one of the most popular books concerning philosophy entitled The Consolations of Philosophy.
Here he is teaching students from his book. Also, notice the hat. He is evidently Santa.
From our discussion about Boethius, we produced two questions.
The factual question is as follows:
Who wrote The Consolation of Philosophy?
A. Augustine
B. Boethius
C. Cicero
D. Dieresis
The answer is "B"
The discussion question is as follows:
Why do you think The Consolation of Philosophy was the most widely circulated of all early medieval writings?
So that was Santa Claus's day job back in the day...
ReplyDeleteI think that Consolation of Philosophy was widely circulated instead of being destroyed as a blasphemous book that went against the ruling religion for the same reason Boethius was allowed to translate some of Aristotle's logic writings: It didn't "touch" the subject of religion. Maybe the scribes of the time saw Consolation as more of a "fictional" book that was interesting to read and didn't attack any of their religious values (if they didn't contemplate its deeper implications.)
According to the Philosophy Dictionary, "[Consolation] considers the possibility of achieving human happiness despite the inescapable presence of evil, extols the benefits of reason even in the face of misfortune and bad advice, and proposes a compatibilist account of human freedom in the face of divine foreknowledge."
From that, I would say it survived, above any other reason, because it was a good read.
My question was chosen (winner!) to be our group's factual question. It is stated above, but I shall type it again. It is the following:
ReplyDeleteWho wrote The Consolation of Philosophy (underlined)?
a. Augustine
b. Boethius
c. Cicero
D. Deimos
And my discussion question (which did not come out as victorious) was, Do you believe that there is an underlying intelligence to the world? Or in other words, do you believe in fate?
Now to respond to our group's decided question, I am not exactly sure as to why this ancient text survived and circulated as thoroughly as it did. I find it especially curious because this was a rather difficult time period in many different aspects. There was much chaos and political and economic hardships during these medieval days. This book was still able to circulate even though it didn't address or mention any Christian or religious values or aspects. Perhaps that is the reason why it was so popular? Perhaps it challenged men to look towards a different source for answers instead of a higher deity or power. Perhaps men had to look within themselves for answers about the world. And perhaps it forced man to look at things through a different light.
Santa loved teaching him some philosophy!
ReplyDeleteAs for the discussion question, I believe that the book was constructed in such a way as being important. Thus, it gained popularity. It is curious however that during these dark times, a book that did not address God was so widely circulated. For this fact, I do not have an answer.
My factual question:
ReplyDeleteWho provided the corridor of philosophy through the Middle Ages?
A. *Boethius
B. Pythagorus
C. Hypatia
D. Ben Abuyah
My discussion question:
Why do you think Theodoric, the same man who praised Boethius for what he had done for Rome, also charged Boethius with treason and sentenced him to death?
In response to our discussion question, I think the book evoked curiosity. Even though it didn't mention Christ, the church, or doctrine, it was still different from what people were used to reading.