Reimagining Philo
Philo of Alexandria Writing Back from the Empire
- World Religions
- Publisher: Cascade Books (Wipf and Stock)
- Published: 2025
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Publisher's Description
Reimagining Philo adopts an experimental approach in multiple respects. Some readers might question the use of postcolonial theories and viewpoints in examining Philo of Alexandria: Is Philo not to be regarded as one of the most integrated Jews living outside of Judea? Is he not typically described as the first-century Jewish thinker most affected by Greco-Roman intellectual traditions, a versatile philosopher significantly influenced by various schools of thought--Platonism, Stoicism, and Epicureanism, among the most notable? While the impact of philosophical schools on Philo is unquestionable, it would be inaccurate to define his primary intellectual identity solely from this perspective. Philo was also a committed follower of Judaism. So he should be comprehended as a Torah observant Jew, a Jewish scholar, a politician, and an apologetic thinker and writer, interacting with various intellectual trends of his era. Hence, this book aims to investigate characteristics of the Roman Empire as a colonizing force, its interactions with Jewish matters in Alexandria, and how these and other elements influenced Philo's view of the empire. A key argument suggests that Philo's perspective underwent a significant transformation following the pogrom in Alexandria in 38 CE and his visit to imperial Rome, resulting in a fresh understanding of the empire and the status and roles of the Jews within that context.
Endorsements (4)
“In this book Torrey Seland applies postcolonial theory to better comprehend Philo’s works in the political and social context of Alexandria and the Greco-Roman world. His argument throughout the book suggests Philo was influenced by the colonizing power of the Roman Empire. As an esteemed Philonic scholar, Seland once again offers a fresh reading of Philo as a Jewish interpreter of the Torah of his time and broadens our perspectives on his writings.”
“In Reimagining Philo, Seland offers a compelling reinterpretation of Philo as a thinker negotiating the tension between Jewish identity and Roman imperial power. Drawing on postcolonial categories, he explores how Philo employs mimicry and hybridity in ways characteristic of colonized subjects. This approach opens exciting new paths for understanding Philo’s corpus and its sociopolitical embeddedness.”
“In an innovative study Torrey Seland introduces an original , postcolonial reading of Philo of Alexandria. Seland argues that Philo became radicalized in his view of Rome as a colonial power, and shows how Philo, although belonging to the elite, wrote from the perspective of the oppressed. Using mimicry and hybridity to analyze Philo’s expositions, Seland presents a new understanding of the political context of Philo’s texts.”
“In this provocative reappraisal of Philo, Torrey Seland moves the Jewish thinker away from being an abstract engager of Graeco-Roman philosophies to living as a Jewish resident of Alexandria during the disrupted 30s and 40s CE. Adopting a postcolonial perspective, Seland unfolds Philo’s Alexandrian social world, as experienced under the Roman imperial presence. This approach opens exciting new reading strategies and vistas for Philo, wielded with consummate skill by the author. A highly stimulating read!”
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