Esoteric Philosophy in Rome

Abstract

This dissertation investigates esoteric philosophy (the deliberate concealment of philosophical positions) in Rome. It does so through case studies of three Roman philosophers: Cicero, Lucretius, and Plutarch. Until now, there has not been a full-length general study of esoteric philosophy in Greco-Roman antiquity. The presence or absence, however, of deliberate concealment in philosophical texts greatly determines how one should read them. In arguing that Roman philosophers were aware of this phenomenon and practiced it themselves, this dissertation thus suggests a new way of reading Roman philosophy. First, a new typology of esoteric philosophy creates a framework for interpreting the discourse around and practice of esotericism. Prominent reasons for esotericism include reflections on ontology and epistemology as well as pedagogical and political motives (e.g., avoiding persecution or critiquing the powerful). The study begins with an argument that esoteric philosophy is thematic in Cicero’s De natura deorum and key in resolving central interpretative questions about the dialogue. Then, an assessment of esoteric philosophy in Lucretius’ De rerum natura reveals a contemporary perspective on the topic rooted in a different genre and in the Epicurean rather than Platonic philosophic tradition. The final chapters treat Plutarch’s De audiendis poetis, a work which lays bare the nexus between philosophy, poetry, and esotericism. This study offers esoteric readings of these philosophers by taking their own statements on esotericism as the starting point for interpretation as a control against anachronism. The interpretations also situate esoteric philosophy in aspects of philosophy particular to the Roman context, including its tenuous status as a Greek import, tension with Roman religion, relationship to Roman oratory, and response to the political pressures of the Late Republic and Principate. The methods and results of this dissertation may serve as the basis for future research into esoteric philosophy in other philosophers in antiquity and beyond.