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Two thinkers, side by side

Life

c. 477 CE – 524 CE

MedievalPatristic

The last Roman philosopher. He translated Aristotle, served as consul, and wrote his masterwork in a prison cell while waiting to be executed.

Peter Abelard

1079 CE – 1142 CE

MedievalScholastic

The sharpest logician in Paris and the most famous lover. His mind cut through every argument. His heart cost him everything.

Connection

Boethius the textbook argued with Peter Abelard — Abelard learned his logic from Boethius' translations and commentaries, and the problem of universals he made famous is posed in the form Boethius had given it when translating Porphyry.

Shared Ideas

Reason

Ideas

Happiness Reason

Reason The Problem of Universals

Words

“Nothing is miserable unless you think it so; and on the other hand, nothing brings happiness unless you are content with it.”
— Boethius

“The beginning of wisdom is found in doubting; by doubting we come to the question, and by seeking we may come upon the truth.”
— Peter Abelard

Key Moments

510 CE

Consul of Rome

523 CE

Imprisoned by Theodoric

c. 524 CE

Writes The Consolation of Philosophy

524 CE

Executed

c. 1108 CE

Teaching in Paris

c. 1117 CE

The Affair with Heloise

c. 1120 CE

Writes Sic et Non

1142 CE

Death at Saint-Marcel

Works

The Consolation of Philosophy

Sic et Non