Book contents
- Boethius’ Consolation of Philosophy
- Cambridge Critical Guides
- Boethius’ Consolation of Philosophy
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Contributors
- Abbreviations of Boethius’ Works
- Introduction
- Chapter 1 Boethius’ Philosophiae consolatio
- Chapter 2 The Ascent from Π to θ, or On Philosophy’s Teaching a Blind Man to See
- Chapter 3 Lady Philosophy as a Feminine Personification of Wisdom
- Chapter 4 Boethius’ Christianity in the Consolatio
- Chapter 5 The Blending of Pagan and Christian Elements in Book III of the Consolatio
- Chapter 6 The Human Person in the Consolation of Philosophy
- Chapter 7 Self-Investigation, Self-Knowledge, and Inner Conflict in Boethius’ Consolation of Philosophy
- Chapter 8 What It Means to Be a God
- Chapter 9 A Consolation through Philosophical Insight?
- Chapter 10 Being and Existence in the Consolation of Philosophy
- Chapter 11 Circle and Sphere Metaphors for God’s Nature and Providence in Boethius’ Consolation of Philosophy and Dionysius’ On Divine Names
- Chapter 12 Time and Eternity in the Consolation of Philosophy
- Chapter 13 Boethius on Human Freedom and Divine Foreknowledge
- References
- Index
- Cambridge Critical Guides
Chapter 3 - Lady Philosophy as a Feminine Personification of Wisdom
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 23 May 2024
- Boethius’ Consolation of Philosophy
- Cambridge Critical Guides
- Boethius’ Consolation of Philosophy
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Contributors
- Abbreviations of Boethius’ Works
- Introduction
- Chapter 1 Boethius’ Philosophiae consolatio
- Chapter 2 The Ascent from Π to θ, or On Philosophy’s Teaching a Blind Man to See
- Chapter 3 Lady Philosophy as a Feminine Personification of Wisdom
- Chapter 4 Boethius’ Christianity in the Consolatio
- Chapter 5 The Blending of Pagan and Christian Elements in Book III of the Consolatio
- Chapter 6 The Human Person in the Consolation of Philosophy
- Chapter 7 Self-Investigation, Self-Knowledge, and Inner Conflict in Boethius’ Consolation of Philosophy
- Chapter 8 What It Means to Be a God
- Chapter 9 A Consolation through Philosophical Insight?
- Chapter 10 Being and Existence in the Consolation of Philosophy
- Chapter 11 Circle and Sphere Metaphors for God’s Nature and Providence in Boethius’ Consolation of Philosophy and Dionysius’ On Divine Names
- Chapter 12 Time and Eternity in the Consolation of Philosophy
- Chapter 13 Boethius on Human Freedom and Divine Foreknowledge
- References
- Index
- Cambridge Critical Guides
Summary
Recognition of Boethius’ Philosophia as allegorical personification is critical for understanding the positive portrayal given her in the Consolatio. It explains the elaborate identifying markers given in metaphorical reference to the lady as nurse, physician, and teacher. It also helps to explain her ontological status as a source of inspiration for “the prisoner.” This chapter notes her pedagogical strategy in consolation for a patient and compassionate approach, demonstrating feminine qualities that effectively balance the rigorous argument by which she finally moves the prisoner from despair to renewed hope and dignity.
Keywords
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Boethius’ ‘Consolation of Philosophy’A Critical Guide, pp. 46 - 67Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2024