Consolation Of Philosophy

Boethius, eager to understand other issues bound up with the idea of Providence, asks Philosophy if there is such a thing as chance. Philosophy answers that if by chance we mean random events, then there is no such thing as chance. God imposes order upon all things, so there is no opportunity for random events.

But Boethius still wonders if there is anything that could be considered chance or accidental. In reply, Philosophy cites the example of a person digging in the ground to cultivate a field and finding buried gold. What has happened is the result of a conjunction of causes—ultimately controlled by Providence—yet it is not the result of the intention of the people involved. Such an event can be called chance or accidental.

In verse, using metaphors from nature, Philosophy declares that all seemingly chance events are subject to a ruling order. 

While understanding and accepting Philosophy's reasoning, Boethius wonders whether there is any place in this scheme for the freedom of the human will. Philosophy answers yes, for no rational nature could exist without it.

All creatures that have the power of reason also have the free choice of the will, but in varying degrees.