Philo of Alexandra on the Practical and Contemplative Life: Some Remarks

The paper argues that, while Philo's background gives a certain twist to his relationship with the Greek philosophical tradition, he shared not only common grounds with Greek philosophers but also contributed some specific ideas to the debate of his time. Most notably Philo offered an original account of the ideal life, by defending contemplative life. His view is close to the views of several Platonists. But he also argues that God is unknowable. Contemplative life is therefore a life devoted to exegesis of divine texts.