1 | Page Labyrinthal Paradigms: Western Philosophy in Borgesǯ Oeuvre "The impossibility of penetrating the divine scheme of the universe does not, however, dissuade us from planning human schemes, even though we know they must be provisional." (Borges 2003a, 229) Shlomy Mualem ABSTRACT 1 This paper examines the prevalent critical outlook concerning Borges’ attitude towards philosophy, demonstrating that he is generally regarded as a dogmatic sceptic or nihilist. A close analysis of his writings reveals that this interpretative paradigm is imprecise, however. In its place, I aim at offering a new perspective regarding the place philosophy holds in Borges’ writing and thought, illustrating how he conceives philosophy not as an enclosed theoretical system but rather as a dynamic, incessant and thus incomplete quest for genuine knowledge. Reflecting the classical tension of philo-sophia as the constant craving for wisdom, Borges thus seems to be closer to Socrates than the dogmatic sceptical tradition of the Sophists. This Socratic stance is dominant throughout his fictional and poetic writing. Hereby, he creates a series of literary symbols, such as the labyrinth and the absolute map, that represent and prompt the philosophical search – returning the reader to the primary experience of profound thaumazein (wonderment). 1 This paper was published in: Shlomy Mualem, Mazes and amazements: Borges and Western Philosophy, Oxford: Peter Lang, 2017, chapter 1.