Exoteric
From Free net encyclopedia
Exoteric knowledge is knowledge that is publicly available, in contrast with esoteric knowledge, which is kept from everyone except the initiated.
Among educated people, the word "esoteric" is widely known and used without concern for being obscure. On the other hand, the word "exoteric" is completely obscure, known only to those that scour dictionaries. Thus, "exoteric" is an esoteric word and "esoteric" is an exoteric word; the two words refer to each other.
The word traces to Greek roots meaning "outer."
See also esoteric.
[edit]
External link
- Esoteric and Exoteric An article on the use of these terms in mystic and occult literature