Philo

Philosopher, Deceased Person

2024 – 0050

17

Who was Philo?

Philo of Alexandria, also called Philo Judaeus, was a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher who lived in Alexandria, in the Roman province of Egypt.

Philo used philosophical allegory to attempt to fuse and harmonize Greek philosophy with Jewish philosophy. His method followed the practices of both Jewish exegesis and Stoic philosophy. His allegorical exegesis was important for several Christian Church Fathers, but he has barely any reception history within Judaism. He believed that literal interpretations of the Hebrew Bible would stifle humanity's view and perception of a God too complex and marvelous to be understood in literal human terms.

Some scholars hold that his concept of the Logos as God's creative principle influenced early Christology. Other scholars, however, deny direct influence but say both Philo and Early Christianity borrow from a common source.

The few biographical details known about Philo are found in his own works, especially in Legatio ad Gaium, and in Josephus. The only event in his life that can be decisively dated is his participation in the embassy to Rome in 40 CE.

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Born
Mar 29, 2024
Alexandria
Siblings
Ethnicity
  • Jewish people
Profession
Died
0050

Submitted
on July 23, 2013

Citation

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"Philo." Biographies.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.biographies.net/people/en/philo>.

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