The Consolation Of Philosophy Sparknotes

The Consolation of Philosophy is a work by the sixth century philosopher Boethius, written in prison after his drastic fall from power, that has often been described as the last great work of the Classical Period. It is a combination of Menippean satire and apocalyptic dialogue that resonates in structure to a classical Greek Dialogue, with a more pronounced personal, religious and mystical significance. It is impossible to ignore the impact that Consolation had on Medieval Europe, with numerous scholars declaring it to be the single most important influence on the Christianity of the Middle Ages and Early Renaissance.

From the Carolingian renaissance up until the end of the Middle Ages and beyond, The Consolation of Philosophy was the most translated and copied secular work. It was one of the most admired and pivotal works of philosophy,
Consolation brings the real outlines of the world into view, taking the less valuable matters out of focus thereby helping the Scholastics retain a general comprehensive view of the world as a whole, in spite of the distractions of their minute inquiries. The book is heavily influenced by Plato, using the Platonic dialectic as well as drawing parallels to the allegory of the cave from the Republic. For example, the turning of the gaze from what is false to what is true and realisation that God is the supreme good is influenced by the ascent of the soul in the allegory of the cave. This ascent is not limited to a process of education but also of anamenesis or recollection. However, Boethius uses a neoplatonic fusion of concepts which are not officially associated by Plato. The ascent of the soul is connected with the doctrine of recollection, and both are seen in terms of the turning in upon itself of the soul and its illumination by its own inward