ABSTRACT
The introduction of the volume argues for the importance of studying esotericism from a philosophical perspective. The history of the study of esotericism and main definitions of esotericism therein are briefly addressed, after which the difference between esotericism and mysticism is discussed, particularly from the viewpoint of how esotericism and mysticism relate to philosophy. Next, the main definitions of esotericism are approached from the perspective of how they can be applied in the history and present moment of philosophy. After that, limitations in the approaches of this volume and important questions for further study are taken up. Last, a brief sketch of the structure and chapters of the volume is given.
