The Concepts of Esotericism and Exoterism in the Context of Religious and Philosophical Doctrines of the 20th Century
https://doi.org/10.23947/2414-1143-2020-24-4-59-66
Abstract
This article discusses the concepts of esotericism and exoterism in the context of religious and philosophical teachings of the XX century. The author focuses on theosophy of E. Blavatsky, A. Besant, the “living ethics” of the Roerichs, the anthroposophy of R. Steiner, the traditionalism of R. Genon, the doctrine of the “Rose of the World” by D. Andreev, and the Esoteric Christianity of B. Muravyov. Analyzing the works of N. Berdyaev, the author comes to the conclusion that for the thinker the mystical is the esoteric (inner) experience, a state that is practically not transmitted through concepts in contrast to theology, which is exoteric. The dominance of the new religiosity of N. A. Berdyaev connects with the formation of a synthetic religious teaching, the basis of which will be conscious mysticism, mystical realism, the opposite of common sense and justified by reason.
Keywords
esotericism,
mesotericism,
exotericism,
theosophy,
esoteric philosophy,
mysticism,
tradition,
gnosis.
About the Author
I. M. Grekov
Ryazan State University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Igor M. Grekov – Ph.D. in Philosophy
Ryazan
References
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Review
For citations:
Grekov I.M. The Concepts of Esotericism and Exoterism in the Context of Religious and Philosophical Doctrines of the 20th Century. Science Almanac of Black Sea Region Countries. 2020;22(4):63-70. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.23947/2414-1143-2020-24-4-59-66
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