Philo’s Skepticism and the Contemplative Life

In the early Imperial era, the contemplative life, especially among Platonists like Philo of Alexandria, emphasized philosophy as a path to divine knowledge and metaphysical truths. Philo presents contemplation as the highest form of life, linking it to the study of the universe and divine principles, rather than naturalistic cosmology. However, Philo acknowledges that human intellect cannot fully grasp God’s infinite nature. To resolve this, he turns to the Scriptures, with Moses as the key mediator of divine wisdom. His approach, blending philosophy and exegesis, highlights the value of the search for truth over its attainment, offering a unique solution to the limitations of human knowledge