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Boethius’ Theory of Happiness for Homo Patiens: in Boethius’ Consolation of Philosophy, book II and III

  • PHILOSOPHY·THOUGHT·CULTURE
  • 2022, (40), pp.277~301
  • DOI : 10.33639/ptc.2022..40.013
  • Publisher : Research Institute for East-West Thought
  • Research Area : Humanities > Other Humanities
  • Received : October 31, 2022
  • Accepted : November 30, 2022
  • Published : November 30, 2022

Mi-Sung Jang 1

1숭실대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

This paper aims at reviewing Boethius' theory of happiness for Homo Patiens, which he argues in The Consolation of Philosophy. In The Consolation of Philosophy, book 2-3, the goddess of philosophy heals Boethius by explaining what true happiness is, how true happiness results in true goodness, and how this true good ends with God and how happiness can be obtained. The characteristic of Boethius' theory of happiness lies in awareness of human existence and is based on rationality. Also, happiness is not about fear of losing what I have, but having peace of mind, not about physical, but about intelligence, not opposition to pain, but through pain. When we accurately recognize our destiny and realize that happiness is God and the best while realizing my own existence, we can get healing and comfort by finding the answer to life by ourselves through internal dialogue. Complaining that we are unhappy while having the best thing in me, that is the cause of our illness, taking off false happiness, and reaching God with the love of the universe, we become truly happy.

Citation status

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