MS C189 Text 1
Text 1: ff. 1-19r
Author: Porphyry of Tyre (c. 234-305 C.E.)
Translator: Boethius (c. 475 C.E - c. 524 C.E.)
Title: Isagoge, Categoriae
Language: Latin
Porphyry of Tyre
(c. 234-305 C.E.)
Born: Tyre, Phoenicia (modern Syria)
Died: Rome?
Isagoge
Porphyry wrote the Isagoge, as an introduction to Aristotle’s logical works in particular, Aristotle’s Categories. He combined Aristotle's logic with Plato’s philosophies particularly, Aristotle’s doctrine of categories, which Porphyry re-interpreted as “universal” entities. The Isagoge was written in Greek and popularized in part, through Boethius’ Latin translations
Ancius Manlius Severinus Boethius
(c. 475 C.E - c. 524 C.E.)
Born: Rome, Italy
Died: Italy
Boethius was a bridge between classical Greek philosophy and the Latin Middle Ages. As a member of the Roman aristocracy, he learned Greek, which allowed him to translate Classical literature. Boethius frequently referenced Porphyry’s writings and he used his logical training to support theological discussions.
Boethius began before 510 to translate Porphyry’s Isagoge (Introduction), which he expanded upon in his commentary. He then translated the Categories, and wrote a commentary in 51. On the Categories he followed Porphyry’s question-and-answer format. In addition, he translated and wrote two commentaries on the second of Aristotle’s six treatises, “On Interpretation”.
