Book 4, Chapter 5 | The Consolation of Philosophy

Chapter Summary

Boethius challenges Philosophy because of his astonishment at the punishment of good people and reward of the wicked that takes place in the world, especially since God is in control of the world. How is his manifest governance of the world any different than chance? Philosophy replies that Boethius does not understand because he does not know God’s good plan for the world that he is carrying out perfectly.

About The Consolation of Philosophy

Written in the 6th-century from a prison cell as the author awaits execution for a crime he did not commit, The Consolation of Philosophy is a dialogue between Boethius and a mysterious woman—Lady Philosophy—who helps him rediscover wisdom and virtue.

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