Language:
English
Year of publication:
2023
Titel der Quelle:
Know Yourself
Angaben zur Quelle:
(2023) 125-158
Keywords:
Philo, Criticism and interpretation
;
Judaism Relations
;
Hellenism
;
Platonists
Abstract:
Philo links the maxim with Socrates (Somn. 1.58) as had Xenophon and Plato before him (Xen. Mem. 4.2.24, Pl. Phdr. 230a). He associates or rather identifies the maxim with self-care (Migr. 8; Dtn 4:9) as in Plato’s Alcibiades (Alc. 124b; 129a; 132c). Thus, Philo’s treatment of the maxim is rooted in the socratic-platonic tradition. Once, the maxim is understood as referring to human social hierarchies and knowing oneself is associated with prudence (σωφροσύνη; Legat. 69). Elsewhere, Philo interprets the maxim as the purification required before worshipping God (Spec. 1.263-265, Somn. 1.210-212). Or he correlates the maxim to Haran, the symbolic space of sensory perception (Fug. 46-47; Migr. 132-138; 182-195; Somn. 1.52-60). Philo also emphasizes the apophatic dimension of knowing oneself (Spec. 1.44; Mut. 54-56).
DOI:
10.1515/9783111083858-005
URL:
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