Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius

Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius (c. 480–524/525 AD) was a Roman philosopher, statesman, and theologian, known for his significant contributions to Western thought, particularly in the fields of philosophy and music theory. He lived during the transitional period between the end of the Western Roman Empire and the early Middle Ages.

Boethius was born into a prominent Roman family and received a thorough education in both the liberal arts and philosophy. He became highly skilled in Greek and Latin literature, mathematics, and philosophy. He served in various governmental positions under King Theodoric the Great, who ruled the Ostrogothic Kingdom in Italy.

In 523 Boethius, who was the head of the civil service and chief of the palace officials for Theodoric The Great in Rome was arrested on suspicion of secret dealings with Theodoric’s enemies in Constantinople. During his time in prison awaiting execution, he wrote The Consolation of Philosophy, which encouraged man to find consolation through meditation and prayer.

Boethius' Farewell To His Family by Jean-Victor Schnetz

Consolation of Philosophy is a dialogue between Boethius and Lady Philosophy. She helps him confront his despair and suffering by exploring philosophical ideas and insights and giving him Stoic, Platonic, and Christian advice. The book deals with themes of fate, free will, divine providence, and the nature of happiness.

Boethius also wrote five theological treatises, which systematically applied the logic of Aristotle to Christian theology. They earned him the label of the first of the scholastic philosophers- one who attempts to use philosophy to explain Christian faith.

Boethius famously claimed that it is wrong to say what God is. Instead we should say what God is not, since the moment we say what he is we reduce him, thus diminishing him to the level of our inadequate thoughts and even more inadequate language.

Boethius also made important contributions to music theory. His treatise De Institutione Musica (Fundamentals of Music) explored the mathematical and metaphysical principles underlying music. 

Boethius' work was based on Greek music theory, but he made some changes to the system. For example, he mixed up the names of the modes. The ancient Phrygian mode became the modern Dorian mode, and the ancient Dorian mode became the modern Phrygian mode. This is why we still use the names "Dorian" and "Phrygian" for these modes today, even though they are not the same as the ancient modes.

Boethius' work also introduced the concept of musica mundana, which is the music of the spheres. This is the belief that the planets and stars produce music as they move through the sky. Musica mundana was an important concept in medieval cosmology and philosophy.

De Institutione Musica was a major influence on Western music theory and thought. It helped to preserve Greek music theory and to transmit it to the Middle Ages. It also helped to shape the way we think about music today.

After his execution, Boethius' works continued to be highly regarded and influential throughout the Middle Ages. His writings were studied by scholars and philosophers, and his ideas helped shape the development of medieval Christian philosophy and theology.

During the Middle Ages The Consolation of Philosophy was a much-revered work and English translations were written by Alfred the Great, Geoffrey Chaucer, and Queen Elizabeth I.