Eternity and Prophetic Cognition. A Note on Paschasius Radbertus’ Understanding of ‘Philosophiae Consolatio’ V, 6

Boethius’ definition of eternity as “to embrace and possess at once the whole fullness of unending life” is a cornerstone of medieval discussions on the different duration modes. There are several studies focusing on its meaning and its fortune. As the ear- liest commentary on ‘Philosophiae Consolatio’, the Remigian ‘Glosses’ (9th–10th c.) are usually considered to be the first example of medieval reception of Boethius’ idea of eternity. A study by Claudio Micaelli, however, has pointed out references to Boethian writings, including verbatim quotations of the definition mentioned above, in the writings of the Carolingian scholar Paschasius Radbertus (8th–9th c.). The philosophical function of these quotations, as partially examined by Micaelli, needs to be considered in more detail, as their usage reveals an interesting understanding of the concept of eternity in close relationship to prophetic knowledge. The present paper aims at exploring this interpretation. For this purpose, I will firstly provide an overview on the quotations at issue (1); secondly, I will take into consideration some aspects characterizing Paschasius’ idea of prophecy (2 and 3). I will conclude with some remarks about the possible posterity of this reading.