Boethius, Anicius Manlius Torquatus Severinus (480-524)

Boethius -- from Jacques Maritain Center

Boethius -- from The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge

Boethius, Anicius Manlius Torquatus Severinus (480-524) -- from Wikipedia Article

Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 2: Assizes-Browne -- from Herbermann, Charles George (1840-1916)

Dictionary of Christian Biography and Literature to the End of the Sixth Century -- from Wace, Henry (1836-1924)

Consolation of Philosophy

Description: Written in the 6th century, The Consolation of Philosophy is the best-known--and most profound--work of the Christian theologian and philosopher St. Boethius. He composed this great work while he was unjustly imprisoned, directly before his unlawful execution. Consequently, The Consolation--which takes the form of a dialogue between Boethius and 'Lady Philosophy'--discusses a variety of important and weighty issues including ethics, the nature of God, God's relationship to the world, the problem of evil, and the true nature of happiness. In particular, an often-emphasized and key theme throughout the book is the importance of both loving God and developing virtue. Because it is written in dialogue form, the literary qualities of the book are somewhat 'light,' which contrasts with the occasionally weighty topics it discusses. The Consolation of Philosophy was enormously influential on medieval and renaissance Christianity--statesmen, poets, historians, philosophers, and theologians all read and studied it extensively. Moreover, it remains even today an important and instructive book. Both compelling and illuminating, The Consolation of Philosophy is profitable for all readers and comes highly recommended.

Tim Perrine
CCEL Staff Writer

Theological Tractates

Description: Boethius’ life and works form the bridge between classical philosophy and medieval theology. This collection contains five theological treatises: “The Trinity is One God Not Three Gods,” “Whether Father, Son, and Holy Spirit may be Substantially Predicated of the Divinity,” “How Substances can be Good in Virtue of their Existence Without Being Absolute Goods,” “On the Catholic Faith,” and “Against Eutyches and Nestorius.” These essays serve to defend orthodox Christian doctrine against various heresies, particularly Arianism and Nestorianism. Boethius articulates his views carefully and philosophically. Consequently, philosophers often read the treatises as supplements to Boethius’ classic work, The Consolation of Philosophy.

Kathleen O’Bannon
CCEL Staff

Trinity is One God Not Three Gods (Author)

Description: Boethius’ life and works form the bridge between classical philosophy and medieval theology. In this treatise, Boethius sets out to articulate the orthodox teaching of the Trinity philosophically, simultaneously defending it against possible heresies. Arianism, one of the most well-known, widespread, and controversial heresies, receives particular attention. His views on the Trinity reflect his background in Platonic and Aristotelian thought, a background which subsequent Christian philosophers and theologians, such as Thomas Aquinas, would inherit. This particular treatise is often read as a supplement to Boethius’ still popular and influential work The Consolation of Philosophy.

Kathleen O’Bannon
CCEL Staff