Class Western Esoterism

The Western Esoterism discipline program focuses on the critical historical and analytical study of esoteric movements in Western culture. Against the background of the Neoplatonic, Gnostic and Hermetic Christian movements of Late Antiquity and the history of the so-called 'occult sciences' (namely astrology, alchemy, and magic), the focus of this course will focus in particular on the rebirth of philosophy hermetic during the early Renaissance, the so-Occult Philosophia and later developments such as alchemy, paracelsism and the Rosicrucian. theosophical and Enlightenment currents, and the various forms of occultism and related movements during the 19th and 20th centuries, including Theosophy, Anthroposophy, contemporary movements and phenomena, including the "New Age".

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1. Western Esoterism, Epistemological Field and Methods 1. Gnosis and Esoterism: History, state of art and scientific field 2. Hermeticism, Neoplatonism, Jewish Mysticism and Gnostic Christianity 1. Fundamental Concepts 3. Hermetic Philosophy and Related Currents 1. Corpus Hermeticum, Tabula Smaragdina and Kybalion. Alchemy, Astrology and Magic 4. The Hermetic Rebirth 1. Middle Ages and Renaissance: Interreligious Dialogue in Hermeticism 5. Gnostic Christianity: History and Concepts 1. Diversity of Christianity: Compelled Sources in 20th Century 6. Neoplatonism and Neopytagorism 1. Plato and the "Mysteries". Neoplatonic and Neopythagorean Authors 7. Alchemy, Transfiguration, Transmutation 1. Spiritual Alchemists, Rosicrucian and Initiatic Alchemy 8. 17th century Theosophy, Freemasonry, Martinism 1. Jacob Boehme; Paracelsus, Ramsay, Saint Martim, Wilermoz 9. Freemasonry 1. Masonic Spiritual Heritage 10. 20th century 1. Theosophy, Anthroposophy, cultural and social movements

The teaching of Western Esotericism is based on innovative methodologies that integrate critical thinking, interdisciplinarity, and active learning. The approach includes Inquiry-Based Learning, encouraging independent research on foundational esoteric texts, and the hermeneutic interpretation of primary sources. Active methodologies, such as structured debates, are used to explore initiatory systems. Digital technology supports teaching through collaborative platforms and interactive concept maps. Experiential learning and case studies examine contemporary manifestations of esotericism, linking them to their historical roots. Collaborative work and personalised tutoring foster critical reflection and independent thinking. These strategies enable a deep understanding of Western esotericism and the development of analytical skills applicable to various fields of knowledge.

LOMELINO de FREITAS, Rui, Hermetismo como fonte do Humanismo Português, in Grandes Enigmas da História de Portugal Vol. I, (Lisboa, Ésquilo 2010) LOMELINO de FREITAS, Os Manifestos Rosacruzes,   Lisboa, Alma dos Livros, 2020 HANEGRAAFF, WOUTER J., Dictionary of Gnosis & Western Esotericism, Leiden, Boston: Brill, 2006 Methods in the Study of Western Esotericism. ¿ [accessed 9 February 2014] MATEUS, GABRIEL,  A Construção do Lugar Académico dos Estudos sobre Esoterismo, Lisboa, Revista Lusófona de Ciência das Religiões,  n. 18-19, 2013