Outline

On the Consolation of Philosophy is laid out as follows: 

 

 Book I: Boethius laments his imprisonment before he is visited by Philosophy, personified as a woman. 

 Book II: Philosophy illustrates the capricious nature of Fate by discussing the "wheel of Fortune"; she further argues that true happiness lies in the pursuit of wisdom. 

 Book III: Building on the ideas laid out in the previous book, Philosophy explains how wisdom has a divine source; she also demonstrates how many earthly goods (e.g., wealth and beauty) are fleeting at best. 

 Book IV: Philosophy and Boethius discuss the nature of good and evil, with Philosophy offering several explanations concerned with evil events and why the wicked can never attain true happiness. 

 Book V: Boethius asks Philosophy about the role Chance plays in the order of everything. Philosophy argues that Chance is guided by Providence . Boethius then asks Philosophy about the compatibility of an omniscient God and free will .