Enlightenment from the orient: The, philosophical esotericism'of the falasifa

Abstract

This article deals with the political philosophy of the falasifa, particularly with the specific esotericism of Ibn Rushd (also known as Averroes). One aim of this article is to point out that this tradition was a pre-modern, cautious form of Enlightenment that influenced Western thought via its unorthodox reception by the Latin Averroists. The,double truth'theory of the latter makes us turn our attention to a writing technique also used by the adherents of falasifa themselves. Accordingly, the second aim of this article is related to the Platonic style of esoteric political communication. A close reading and interpretation of Ibn Rushd's Decisive Treatise uncovers his position in the conflict between Greek philosophy and Islamic revelation. By referring to passages from the falasifa's works and to insights from Straussian hermeneutics, it is shown that this tradition considered philosophical truth to be politically dangerous, therefore promoting its form of Enlightenment only in an esoteric aspect accessible for the few who were initiated.