Final answer:
The widespread study of philosophy during the Hellenistic period was influenced by a shift in focus towards personal ethics, the influence of imperialism and religious scholars, and the expansion of knowledge and exploration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The widespread study of philosophy during the Hellenistic period was a product of multiple factors. One factor was that philosophers of the Hellenistic period turned their focus away from politics and towards personal ethics and ways to live a happy life. Another factor was the influence of Greek and Roman imperialism, which brought Jews, Christians, and Muslims into the intellectual sphere of Hellenism and led to the incorporation and advancement of classical philosophy in their theological studies. Additionally, the Hellenistic era saw a significant expansion of knowledge and exploration, which contributed to the spread of ideas and the study of philosophy.