Philosophy discusses the differences between types of knowledge: Some animals only know through Sensation (like mollusks), while others know through Imagination (like mobile animals). Humans know in both ways as well, but also know through Reason, which is superior. God alone knows through Intelligence, which is the most superior knowledge of all. Because Reason is superior to Sensation and Imagination, it grasps more of the whole of the knowledge of something. God’s knowledge is as superior to Reason as Reason is superior to Imagination and Sensation. Therefore, we must not think that God knows in the same way we do; we must yield to his superior knowledge, not assert our own. If we can ascend to the level of God’s knowledge, as much as we are able, we will see that there is no contradiction between it and free will.

Written in the 6th-century from a prison cell as the author awaits execution for a crime he did not commit, The Consolation of Philosophy is a dialogue between Boethius and a mysterious woman—Lady Philosophy—who helps him rediscover wisdom and virtue.

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