Esotericism in reverse
Tomas Mansikka
Approaching Religion January 16, 2019 DOI: 10.30664/ar.66731 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | René descartes Rosicrucians Imagination Enthusiasm Mnemotechnics |
| Key points | Argues that a pro-Enlightenment predilection blurs research on esotericism and that the case of Descartes reverses the conventional perception of the 'esoteric'. |
Abstract
Western esotericism appears to be a field most precarious in terms of positioning. This article will highlight the divide between ‘critics’ and ‘religionists’ from a pre-Enlightenment position by discussing René Descartes’ role within esotericism. The study attempts to show that a pro-Enlightenment predilection tends to blur its object of research as to the kinds of knowledges that are under scrutiny. The conclusions drawn from the case of Descartes suggests that the perception of what the ‘esoteric’ in modern studies is generally agreed upon being, is reversed.