ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book describes six essays on the origin, the character, and the historical influence of Hellenic philosophy, as its complex global relations to other non-Hellenic philosophies of Africa, Asia, and Europe. The essays are primarily historical and philosophical studies. However, they inevitably touch upon contemporary and politically sensitive issues, relating to the nature of Western culture and European "philosophy". The book deals with the thorny question of the beginnings of Ancient Hellenic philosophy and its possible cultural connection with Egypt. It focuses on a widely propagated European "myth" which claims that European "philosophy" is nothing but a "series of footnotes to Plato". The book examines briefly a case of Hellenic criticism regarding the proper arrangement of the ideal polis. It argues specifically that "European philosophy" has been deprived, for historical religious reasons.
