PL 348 - Exoteric/Esoteric Distinction in Philosophy

(3.00 cr.)

Prerequisite: PL 201 and one additional PL 200-level course. Examines the philosophical practice of esotericism, or the habit of secret teaching, in ancient and modern forms. Pertinent themes include noble lying, accommodation, protection from harm and social responsibility, philosophical communication of 'dangerous' truths, and exoteric/esoteric literature. Figures considered include Plato, Aristotle, Maimonides, Galileo, Machiavelli, Bacon, Descartes, Hobbes, Spinoza, Locke, Toland, and others.