Philosophical Seminar: Boethius's "Consolation of Philosophy"

In 523AD, Boethius, a formerly powerful Roman magistrate and Christian theologian, is in prison awaiting trial for his life on charges of treason brought by his political opponents. Facing the prospect of his own impending conviction and execution, he turns to his philosophical training for guidance. In On the Consolation of Philosophy (De Consolatione Philosophiae), composed in prison, he imagines a dialogue between himself and Lady Philosophy, who, in a series of philosophical exchanges in both prose and poetry, helps him to recollect himself and to confront his fate with equanimity. In the process, Boethius and Lady Philosophy explore some of the most fundamental questions, from the nature of human happiness to the dispositions of divine providence. Boethius's text, a literary and philosophical masterpiece, proved to be of longlasting influence: standing at the end of antiquity, it became a touchstone for the later medieval tradition. Its influence can be seen, not only in medieval philosophers such as Aquinas, but also in medieval literary figures such as Chaucer (who translated the work into Middle English). Join Zephyr as we read and discuss this classic together!

Eligibility

Current university students (both undergraduate and graduate) and recent graduates (≤10 years since graduation) are eligible to participate.

Schedule and Logistics

We will be reading and discussing Boethius's Consolation in its entirety over the course of five biweekly meetings, one for each of the Consolation's five books:

October 1: Book I

October 15: Book II

October 29: Book III

November 12: Book IV

November 19: Book V

The first book may be found here. Attendees at the first meeting will receive complimentary copies of the Consolation.

Dinner will be provided to all attendees.

About the speaker

Landon Hobbs is Research Fellow and Director of Academic Programs at the Zephyr Institute. His research focuses on Ancient Greek philosophy, especially the theoretical philosophy of Aristotle. He received his PhD from Stanford University in 2023 and is currently pursuing a research project on the content, justification, and use of the ancient metaphysical principle that the cause must precontain its effect.