PHL100Y1 Lecture : Boethius CP 1.docx
Document Summary
In 476 ad, the barbarians invaded rome and proposed the last emperor and replaced him with a king. The gods were clever enough to leave the institutional structure as it was and only changing the administrative structure. Most forms of the roman structures existed when boethius was born. He came from an distinguished family; father was an official consultant. Accounts differ, but boethius got on the wrong side of the government and he was accused of high treason and was thrown into prison where he awaited execution in the year 523 ad. He was confident that he was released because of his status but he was killed. While he was under arrest, he read the consolation of philosophy. The consolation of philosophy opens up with the prisoner is trying to find consolation with art and poetry. A woman appears and boethius doesn"t recognize philosophy; she is lady. The correct way to console oneself is through philosophy.
