A Critical Interpretation of Leo Strauss’ Thoughts on Machiavelli
37 Pages Posted: 28 Oct 2013
Date Written: May 20, 2013
Abstract
Strauss’s analysis of Machiavelli is both about his argument and action. Strauss looked Machiavelli’s argument through the lens of classical political philosophy especially Plato’s political philosophy. He believed Machiavelli had not achieved important theoretical innovation. He looked Machiavelli’s action through the lens of modernity. He believed Machiavelli’s political thought could not perform a good function any more as it did in the past several centuries. Moreover, Strauss supplemented Machiavelli’s political thought with a discussion of the problem of technique. Strauss’s caution of the technical innovation makes sense, but his distinction between theoretical science and technique is not convincing.
Keywords: Leo Strauss; Machiavelli; Classical Political Philosophy; Modernity
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