Leo Strauss established a distinctive approach to political philosophy by prioritizing close textual analysis of ancient and medieval works to counter perceived modern crises. Over a career spanning from Germany to the United States, his pedagogical focus on the relationship between reason and revelation influenced generations of thinkers and defined a unique trajectory in twentieth-century academic theory.
Academic Foundations and European Roots
Born in Kirchhain in 1899, Strauss received his early education at the Gymnasium Philippinum Marburg. He continued his studies at the University of Marburg, the University of Freiburg in 1925, and the University of Hamburg in 1918. He earned his doctorate while engaging with the philosophical traditions of his time. His formative years in Germany established his early intellectual connections before the political upheaval of the 1930s prompted his departure.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Transatlantic Career and Institutional Tenure
Upon emigrating to the United States, Strauss held various appointments at institutions including Columbia University, the New School, and Hamilton College. His most significant academic contribution occurred at the University of Chicago, where he served as a professor from 1949 to 1969. During his career, he also held positions at Claremont McKenna College, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the University of Cambridge, and St. John's College, contributing to a diverse intellectual footprint.
Philosophical Methodology and Notable Works
Strauss is recognized for his interpretation of classical political thought and his examination of how philosophers utilized esoteric writing to communicate complex teachings. His major publications include Persecution and the Art of Writing, Thoughts on Machiavelli, and History of Political Philosophy. Through these texts, he critiqued the modern turn in philosophy, starting with Machiavelli, and advocated for a recovery of ancient methods. He often analyzed thinkers ranging from Plato and Aristotle to medieval Islamic and Jewish scholars.
Professional Honors
In recognition of his contributions to the field of political philosophy, Strauss received the Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1965. In that same year, the University of Hamburg conferred upon him an honorary doctorate. He was also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, reflecting his standing within the broader academic community during his lifetime.
Fast facts
- Born: 1899, Kirchhain
- Died: 1973, Annapolis
- Citizenship: United States, Germany
- Major Works: History of Political Philosophy, Persecution and the Art of Writing
- Primary Field: Political Philosophy
- Academic Home: University of Chicago (1949-1969)
- Award: Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (1965)
Questions readers ask
What is the Strauss concept of esoteric writing?
Strauss argued that philosophers often presented different levels of teaching, intended for general versus specialist readers, to protect their work from potential persecution.
What subjects did Leo Strauss focus on in his research?
His scholarship focused on classical and medieval political philosophy, examining figures like Plato, Aristotle, and medieval Jewish and Islamic thinkers.
Achievements
- Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany — 1965
- Notable work: Persecution and the Art of Writing
- Notable work: Thoughts on Machiavelli
- Notable work: History of Political Philosophy
- Notable work: reductio ad Hitlerum
- Affiliated with University of Chicago, University of Cambridge and The New School
- Educated at University of Hamburg, University of Freiburg and University of Marburg
- Worked as politician, political scientist and philosopher
