The First Western Esotericist: Philo of Alexandria
Mar 11, 2019
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Philo of Alexandria, the first true western esotericist, is discussed in this episode. Topics include his involvement in politics and philosophy, his fusion of Greek philosophy with Judaism, his projects and structure of works, his belief in hidden esoteric meanings of scriptures, and his pioneering work on numerical interpretation of texts.
Philo of Alexandria embodies the essence of a genuine Western Esotericist through his mastery of scriptural exegesis and blending of Jewish scriptures with Hellenistic philosophies.
Philo's cosmology presents a geocentric universe inspired by Hellenistic astronomy, demonstrating his remarkable synthesis of Jewish monotheism with Greek philosophical concepts.
Deep dives
Philo of Alexandria: A Western Esotericist
Philo of Alexandria, an aristocratic Jew from the first century CE, embodies the essence of a genuine Western Esotericist. Coming from an influential Jewish family in Alexandria, Philo was deeply Hellenized and immersed in Greek culture. Despite his Jewish identity, he embraced the Western Abrahamic Hellenic Synthesis, which characterized the essence of the West. Philo's writings demonstrated his mastery of scriptural exegesis, blending Jewish scriptures with Hellenistic philosophies like Stoicism and Neoplatonism. He saw Moses as the greatest philosopher of all time and interpreted the Pentateuch with a stoicizing middle Platonist lens, revealing esoteric layers of meaning beneath their literal interpretation. Philo's philosophical hermeneutics and pursuit of hidden truths align him with the core traits of Western esotericism.
Philo's Unique Blend of Philosophy and Judaism
Philo's philosophical worldview is an intriguing fusion of Jewish tradition and Hellenistic philosophies. His writings reveal a sophisticated understanding of Plato, stoicism, and neopithegarianism, which influenced his interpretation of Jewish scriptures. Philo's cosmology presents a geocentric universe inspired by Hellenistic astronomy. He ascribes a transcendent, ineffable nature to the supreme God, emphasizing the mystical and apophatic aspects of the divine. Philo introduces the concept of the Logos, which serves as both God's creative power and the world of forms. His cosmological and metaphysical ideas demonstrate a remarkable synthesis of Jewish monotheism with Greek philosophical concepts, placing him at the intersection of religion and philosophy.
Philo's Esoteric Hermeneutics
Philo's approach to scripture is steeped in esotericism. He reads the Scriptures as allegorical texts, uncovering hidden meanings beneath the literal narrative. Philo believes that Moses encoded philosophical wisdom within the overtly religious writings. He creates a lineage of truth, tracing it from Moses to Pythagoras and Plato, establishing a tradition of esoteric interpreters who can grasp the inner meanings of scripture. Philo's esoteric journey extends beyond Judaism, as he acknowledges fellow allegorical interpreters from other traditions, forging a trans-religious esoteric community of philosophers. This esoteric approach to scriptural exegesis becomes a defining feature of Philo's philosophical worldview.
Philo's Contribution to Esoteric Thought
Philo's esoteric contributions, such as his Logos doctrine and emphasis on divine transcendence, mark him as a crucial figure in the development of Western esotericism. The notion of Logos as God's creative power, world of forms, and the firstborn son exhibited Philo's innovative interpretation of Platonic and Stoic ideas. His exploration of God's ineffability aligns with later apophatic discourses. Philo's cosmology, numerological symbolism, and erythmological speculation prefigure themes found in esoteric traditions that emerged in later periods. Philo's unique blend of Jewish monotheism, Hellenistic philosophy, and esoteric interpretations shapes his identity as an early Western esotericist.
The first true western esotericist: Philo of Alexandria. In this episode we come to grips with what makes him so western, what makes him so esoteric, and introduce his fascinating life and work.
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