Consolation of Philosophy with Dr. Jan Bentz
Join Cameron Riecker for a series with Dr. Jan Bentz exploring The Consolation of Philosophy, one of the most enduring works in the Western intellectual tradition.
Written from a prison cell while awaiting trial, Boethius’s classic text wrestles with questions of suffering, fortune, meaning, and the search for lasting happiness, questions that remain strikingly relevant today.
Dr. Bentz will guide attendees through the themes and significance of the work, offering insight into why this text has shaped philosophical and theological reflection for centuries.
Whether you are already familiar with Boethius or approaching him for the first time, this conversation promises a thoughtful and engaging look at how philosophy can speak to uncertainty, loss, and the desire for wisdom.
Engage your intellect and will with the higher things.
Train your heart to love spiritual beauty and make false carnal beauty appeal way less.
Attach yourself to the higher things, reboot your imagination and renew your mind.
Dr Jan C. Bentz lectures at Blackfriars Studium in Oxford, where he teaches courses on Medieval, Modern and Contemporary Philosophy, Philosophy of Art, Political Philosophy and Philosophy of History.
What You Get With Your Ticket:
Five 90min sessions, Socratic discussion working through the text together. Event price gets you access to full series (all five sessions)
Tue, Sep 29, 2026 — 12:00 PM ET
Tue, Oct 6, 2026 — 12:00 PM ET
Tue, Oct 13, 2026 — 12:00 PM ET
Tue, Oct 20, 2026 — 12:00 PM ET
Tue, Oct 27, 2026 — 1:00 PM ET
First 60min session then 30min small group session (5-10 people) for additional discussions (30min)
Manageable reading load: 30 pages of reading a week
Led by Dr. Jan Bentz, Highly regarded Professor who forms Dominicans at Oxford.
The book: The Consolation of Philosophy, David R. Slavitt translation (Harvard University Press).
FAQS
Do I need any background in philosophy or theology to join?
No. Whether you already know Boethius or are meeting him for the first time, this series is designed to be accessible. Dr. Bentz guides the group through the text and its themes, so you don't need prior study, just a willingness to read along and engage. The Socratic format means you learn by discussion, not by lecture.
Is it ok if I have to miss some of the sessions?
We encourage you to attend all five sessions to get the most out of the experience, but we understand that things come up. If you need to miss one or two, we'll email out the recording of the teaching and discussion portion to everyone, though you will miss the small group segment, which is not recorded.
What is the schedule of the live sessions?
Each 90-minute session includes:
Prayer, intro, and recap
Socratic discussion with Dr. Bentz working through the week's reading together
Breakout into your small group (a further 30 minutes after the main session)
What happens in the small groups?
You'll be placed in a same-gender small group of 5 to 10 people for the duration of the series. In this group you'll discuss the reading more personally, share what's resonating and what's challenging, and find support among peers working through the same text.
Will you offer this again in the future if I'm not ready to do it now?
Maybe! If you can't make this round but want to stay in the loop for future series, join The House of Joseph newsletter, where we announce new reading groups.
I'm concerned about privacy. What measures are you taking for proper privacy in this setting?
We take participant privacy seriously. The small group discussions are completely private and never recorded. Recording of the main section will be available to everyone.
Do I have to be Catholic or Christian to join?
No. The Consolation of Philosophy is one of the great works of Western thought, and our discussion draws on the Catholic and Dominican intellectual tradition that Dr. Bentz forms his students in. But the series is designed to be accessible to anyone seeking wisdom, regardless of background.
Does my ticket cover all five sessions?
Yes. One event price gives you access to the full series, all five live sessions plus your small group. You register once and you're set for the whole thing.
Do I need to buy the book?
Yes, please order a physical copy of The Consolation of Philosophy in the David R. Slavitt translation (Harvard University Press) so we're all working from the same text: https://www.amazon.com/Consolation-Philosophy-Boethius/dp/0674048350
Do you offer a refund if I'm not satisfied?
Yes, we offer a full money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the experience. To be eligible for a refund, you must:
Attend at least four of the five live sessions
Complete the weekly reading and participate in your small group
Request the refund within 7 days after the final session