"The Myth of the Cave" in the Space and Time of the Exegetical Midrash
The article explores the interpretation of Plato’s Myth of the Cave within the context of the Jewish religious tradition. The author analyzes this philosophical text—one of the key constants of European cultural tradition for over two millennia—through the lens of Midrash, a genre of exegesis that s...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Hypothekai
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Hypothekai |
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| Online Access: | http://hypothekai.ru/images/Nomera/9/102-130_BermusAG.pdf |
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| Summary: | The article explores the interpretation of Plato’s Myth of the Cave within the context of the Jewish religious tradition. The author analyzes this philosophical text—one of the key constants of European cultural tradition for over two millennia—through the lens of Midrash, a genre of exegesis that seeks to uncover deeper meanings in fundamental Jewish texts. Special attention is given to parallels between Platonic teachings and narratives from the Torah, Psalms, and other sacred Jewish texts. The study examines themes such as human nature, liberation from the bonds of ignorance, the perception of light and shadow, and the problem of divine knowledge. At the same time, the author identifies both points of convergence and fundamental differences between ancient philosophical thought and the Jewish religious tradition. The article compares different approaches to divine knowledge: Plato’s kataphatic method, which is based on gradual ascent from visible images to the highest reality, and Abraham’s apophatic worldview, which recognizes the infinite boundary between the Divine and all finite manifestations of the world.
The study argues for the possibility of a fruitful dialogue between classical philosophy and the Jewish religious tradition by employing the methodology of exegetical Midrash in the analysis of Plato’s text. This approach not only deepens our understanding of both traditions but also reveals their cultural, historical, and educational potential.
This research may be of interest to scholars in the fields of philosophy of education, theology, culture studies, and intellectual history, offering a new perspective on the interaction between ancient traditions and philosophical systems.
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| ISSN: | 2587-7127 |