A dependência entre lógica e moral em Boécio: um estudo acerca das inferências tópicas na consolação da filosofia

Abstract

Boethius was recognized as an authority on logic. The medieval logic was developed until the XII century through his translations and commentaries. Given his historical context and his Neoplatonic sympathies, we believe the positions defended or accepted by the author in such writings were not abandoned for the writing of the Consolation of Philosophy. It seems Boethius argues not only to produce theoretical content which agrees with the position that appears in his writings; he shows appreciation for philosophy as a practice. More than that, in his last work, the philosopher doesn’t discuss logic on itself, but rather as a practical tool without which is necessary for the contemplation of truth. In fact, Boethius seems to argue that without that the very contemplation of truth would be possible only by chance. The objective of this study is to point out that Boethius’ last text seems to rely on logical considerations, thus, assuming some familiarity with his previous writings as the author expects knowledge of what he means by logic. As he uses Topical reasoning to develop his argument and considering his influences as well as the way those influences alter his Aristotelian reading, we argue that, in order, to recognize the logic in Consolation, one must consider his other treatises. We argue, too, that the logic in his last work is presented in harmony with moral issues in such a way it can’t be isolated from it without ignoring some of his arguments. We believe the author himself does not favor a thematic separation and, if so, by isolating the logic in his last work, some of its contents and depth would be lost. Having established the purpose of discussing the relationship of dependency between logic and practical philosophy in the Consolation of Philosophy, we would consider specific examples in such work in order to show how the use of concepts and interpretations, discussed throughout this research work, could be found in Boethius’s most important treatise. Through a comparison of influences, we seek to establish what the author considered as logic and, from that, we hope to make clear how it is used in the Consolation.