# Plato — The Consolation of Philosophy character guide

> Plato in The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius.

**Role:** minor

**First appearance:** 0008-ii

## Who they are

Greek philosopher frequently cited by Philosophy as an authority on virtue and governance.

## Relationships

### [Jowett](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/characters/jowett)

_professional_

Jowett, a translator of Plato, is referenced in the context of Platonic philosophy that Boethius engages with.

### [Boethius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/characters/boethius)

_professional_

Boethius references Plato's works and ideas, especially regarding the nature of the soul and ideal governance.

### [Boethius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/characters/boethius)

_professional_

Boethius references Plato's works and ideas, especially regarding the nature of the soul and ideal governance.

## In the story

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/iii)

Philosophy mentions Plato as her servant from days of old, before whose time she had already waged war against folly.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/iv)

Boethius references Plato's maxim that states would be happy if philosophers ruled or rulers became philosophers.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/ix)

Referenced for the principle of imploring divine protection, as in the 'Timaeus'.

### [Song XI: Reminiscence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/song-xi-reminiscence)

Referenced as the source of the doctrine that learning is recollection.

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/xii)

Invoked by Boethius as an authority on the kinship between words and their subject matter.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/ii)

Cited by Philosophy as having correctly judged that the wise alone are able to do what they would.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/vi)

Referenced regarding the world's lack of temporal beginning and the distinction between eternal and everlasting.

### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_consolation_of_philosophy_se/chapters/endnotes)

Frequently cited in endnotes for works such as Republic, Timaeus, Meno, Phaedo, Sophistes, and Gorgias.

## Links

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