Final answer:
Before Philo, there was no clear theory of creation ex nihilo in Jewish or Greek philosophy, but Philo of Alexandria merged Jewish scripture with Greek philosophy, influencing the metaphysical foundations of monotheistic religions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The claim from the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy that there was no explicit theory of creation ex nihilo in Jewish or Greek traditions before Philo, brings attention to the historical context of philosophical development concerning the origins of the universe. Early interpretations by Jewish philosophers did not involve the idea of creation from nothingness; instead, they worked within the boundaries of their scriptural heritage. Philo of Alexandria, in his philosophical treatises, examined Greek ideas, such as Plato's eternal forms, and harmonized them with Jewish scripture by identifying these forms as logos or the thoughts of God. Subsequently, this blending of Greek and Jewish thought laid the groundwork for early Christian doctrine. Meanwhile, the Greek concept of the unmoved mover, presented by Aristotle, suggested an eternal universe, contrasting with monotheistic creation narratives.
Furthermore, thinkers such as Maimonides faced challenges reconciling the Greek unmoved mover with notions of divine intervention and creation. These philosophical inquiries led to in-depth discussions about the relationship between the eternal and the finite, a debate that later contributed to the development of the metaphysical framework within Jewish, Christian, and Islamic philosophies.
Contextually, early Jewish philosophy was significantly influenced by Hellenistic culture due to the spread of Greek ideas through the conquests of Alexander the Great. Intellectual interactions between Greek and Roman imperialism and Jewish thought necessitated a synthesis of classical philosophy and theological perspectives, also impacting later Christian and Muslim scholarship.