Philo of Alexandria was the first Middle Platonic thinker whose writings have largely survived. Otto Kaiser introduces the reader to his life, work and writings based on the extant manuscripts. Philo of Alexandria is one of the most important figures in the history of Hellenic culture. His writings are an essential source of information on Hellenic and Stoic philosophy, much of which was subsequently lost. His importance to the history of theology rests on the fact that he was the first author to write about the Pentateuch based on the writings of the Greek philosophers available to him. His works also reflect his knowledge of the thoughts of the empirical scientists of his time. Otto Kaiser introduces the reader to the life, work and writings of Philo based on the extant works of Philo as well as of many other ancient writers.

Dr. Dres. h.c. Otto Kaiser ist em. Professor für Altes Testament an der Universität Marburg.

Philoof Alexandria occupies a key position in the Hellenistic intellectual history, because he was the first mid-Platonic thinker whose writings have been preserved for the most part. His writings are also an indispensable source for the Hellenistic and Stoic philosophy, whose works have not survived. Philo"s theology historical significance is based on the fact that he has been the first who referred in his interpretations of the Pentateuch to the writings of the Greek philosophers and the current views of the empirical sciences in his time. Otto Kaiser introduces into Philo's life, work and thought by referring to the traditional writings of Philo and of many other ancient writers.>