Leo Strauss' "What Is Political Philosophy?" addresses almost every major theme in his life's work and is often viewed as a defense of his overall philosophic approach. Yet precisely because the book is so foundational, if we want to understand Strauss' notoriously careful and complex thinking in these essays, we must also consider them just as Strauss treated philosophers of the past: on their own terms. Each of the contributors in this collection focuses on a single chapter from "What Is Political Philosophy?" in an effort to shed light on both Strauss' thoughts about the history of philosophy and the major issues about which he wrote. Included are treatments of Strauss' esoteric method of reading, his critique of behavioral political science, and his views on classical political philosophy. Key thinkers whose work Strauss responded to are also analyzed in depth: Plato, al-Farabi, Maimonides, Hobbes, and Locke, as well as twentieth-century figures such as Eric Voegelin, Alexandre Kojeve, and Kurt Riezler. Written by scholars well-known for their insight and expertise on Strauss' thought, the essays in this volume apply to Strauss the same meticulous approach he developed in reading others. The first book-length treatment of a single book by Strauss, Leo Strauss' "Defense of the Philosophic Life" will serve as an invaluable companion to those seeking a helpful introduction or delving deeper into the major themes and ideas of this controversial thinker.

About the Author
Rafael Major is the director of faculty development at the Jack Miller Center for Teaching America's Founding Principles and History. He teaches at Ursinus College.

Reviews
"What is Political Philosophy? is Strauss's most comprehensive, and arguably most introductory, work. But the fact that each chapter focuses on key themes more fully elaborated elsewhere creates the need for a systematic supplementary text. With this collection of essays, the reader is afforded helpful guidance to the way each of the chapters relates to, illuminates, and is illuminated by other major treatments of the same themes by Strauss. The book will attract a broad readership among the many who are involved in or attentive to the ongoing debate over Strauss's controversial thought." (Thomas L. Pangle, University of Texas at Austin)"



Book Information
ISBN 9780226924212
Author Rafael Major
Format Paperback
Page Count 232
Imprint University of Chicago Press
Publisher The University of Chicago Press
Weight(grams) 312g
Dimensions(mm) 23mm * 15mm * 2mm