A study of Strauss's thought in relation to his complex interpretation of the founder of modern political thought

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, University of Kurdistan

10.48308/kj.2025.238459.1300

Abstract

Leo Strauss, according to the author, is one of the most important interpreters of modern and classical political philosophy, and his interpretations have been very useful and enlightening for understanding philosophers who have created profound ruptures in history. In this article, the author discusses Strauss's complex position toward the founder of modern political thought in the West, namely Niccolò Machiavelli. On the one hand, Strauss speaks of Machiavelli’s irreversible rupture in numerous articles and books, and on the other hand, he considers Machiavelli to be the beginning of theoretical thinking that marks the decadence of the West. Strauss believes that if Machiavelli appeared innovative, it is only because he lowered the intellectual horizon of classical philosophers and made their goals appear unrealistic and imaginary. In this article, the author first explains Greece from Strauss's point of view and then, based on the texts of important philosophers from both traditions, explores how one can not only gain a deeper understanding of Machiavelli by using the tools of classical philosophy but also, in addition to recognizing his rupture, introduce objections and criticisms using the same tools, ultimately providing a more realistic depiction of him.

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References

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History

  • Receive Date: 21 January 2025
  • Revise Date: 30 January 2025
  • Accept Date: 31 January 2025

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