Philosophy

To begin ...with Boethius

Given the image I have chosen above, there seems little alternative but to begin with that work so influential during Mediaeval times and out of which emerges the whole modern European philosophical impetus - yes, that's quite a statement. That straddler between the Roman period and his last living steps into the medieval world: Boethius's Consolation of Philosophy.

Sure he harkens back to both Plato and Aristotle - and the Neoplatonists as well as both Roman and Christian thinkers. And it is to all that syncretic influx that his little book, written in prison during his final days, draws. Its popularity ensured that it ignited philosophical interest in the hearts and minds of many, of whatever station in life the reader happened to find him or herself - even Queen Elizabeth is said to have translated it into (Old) English.

Its influence is evident not only Dante's and Chaucer's works on the literary spectrum, as well as on significant imagery found on major Cathedral carvings (such as Notre Dame in Paris). Resting, as it does, solidly within the bounds of orthodox Christianity, it also never attracted solid negative attention.

It is a little book that, from my perspective, needs to be read by anyone aspiring to philosophical understanding and European historical influence.

and Rudolf Steiner

This section is not about his vast influence in myriad areas, but more specifically about his philosophical contributions (for the former, cf 'Anthroposophy'). Also, though Rudolf Steiner has written a number of books specifically on philosophical topics, it is his Philosophy of Freedom (Die Philosophie der Freiheit) that stands as a monumental achievement yet to be critically appraised for not only its overall breadth and depth, but its originality.

The book is essentially divided into two key sections, with a third in seed-form: the first a fundamentally epistemological one; and the second fundamentally one that deals with ethical concepts; and the third harkening to a future whereby a form of monisn becomes possible through the striving of individuals transcending the limitations of burden. In both the former of these, Steiner argues for a form of radical individualism out of which freedom becomes not only possible, but is ultimately a position for which we are to strive. One can see, in that sense, some points of resemblance (and perhaps influence) from Nietzsche - without the latter's nihilism.

...more to come.

philosophy resources

five keys books in philosophy

Boethius Consolation of Philosophy

Steiner, R. Philosophy of Freedom
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Deely, J. Basics of Semiotics

Lonergan, B. Insight

Taylor, C. A Secular Age

philosophy links within this site

Cf Philosophy section on Home page