Who are InspiringPhilosophy?My name is Michael Jones. I plan on creating a new video for InspiringPhilosophy.org every month dealing with philosophical and apologetic questions.
Where is Sodom-Gomorrah?Sodom and Gomorrah were ancient cities, widely known for their wickedness, that were destroyed by God, according to the biblical account in Genesis. The destruction is described as a fiery downpour of sulfur and salt, resulting in the utter annihilation of the cities and their inhabitants. The primary sin attributed to the inhabitants was a combination of sexual immorality, violence, and a lack of hospitality, particularly towards the angels sent to the region.
What is Philosophy?Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems concerning matters such as existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. The term was probably coined by Pythagoras (c. 570-495 BCE). Philosophical methods include questioning, critical discussion, rational argument, and systematic presentation. Classic philosophical questions include: Is it possible to know anything and to prove it? What is most real? Philosophers also pose more practical and concrete questions such as: Is there a best way to live? Is it better to be just or unjust (if one can get away with it)? Do humans have free will?
Who was Philo?Philo of Alexandria (20 BC-50 AD) was a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher who lived in Alexandria, in the Roman province of Egypt. Philo used philosophical allegory to harmonize Jewish scripture, mainly the Torah, with Greek philosophy. His method followed the practices of both Jewish exegesis and Stoic philosophy. His allegorical exegesis was important for some Christian Church Fathers, but he had very little reception history within the Rabbinic Judaism. He adopted allegorical instead of literal interpretations of the Hebrew Bible. Some scholars hold that his concept of the Logos as God's creative principle influenced early Christology.