Strauss on Challenges to Socratic Philosophy

• In Event: Theology & Philosophy

Abstract

Chapter IV of Leo Strauss’ Natural Right and History presents the Socratic turn away from pre-Socratic philosophy. Less conspicuously it also addresses two other challenges to Socratic philosophy or science including political science, those posed by revelation and by radical historicism. In so doing it clarifies Strauss’ view of Socratic philosophy, and of what truly qualifies as philosophy or science. What emerges is a vision of science which is quite different not only from pre-Socratic philosophy and from modern science, but also from the popular vision of Platonic idealism which Strauss’ presentation might seem on a quick reading to endorse.

Author

• Peter J. Hansen, Massachusetts Institute of Technology