Straussian

Straussian refers to a philosophical and political approach influenced by the thought of Leo Strauss. Straussians are generally characterized by their interpretation of political texts as containing hidden, esoteric meanings alongside their surface, exoteric ones. They believe that great thinkers often concealed their most profound or controversial ideas to protect themselves from persecution or to avoid corrupting the less prepared reader. This involves a close reading of texts, paying attention to what is said, what is omitted, and the way in which arguments are constructed.

The Straussian method often involves identifying contradictions or ambiguities within a text and using these as clues to uncover the author's intended, deeper message. This approach has been applied to a wide range of historical thinkers, from ancient philosophers like Plato to more modern figures. In political discourse, Straussianism is sometimes associated with a particular view of political philosophy's role in understanding and guiding political life, emphasizing the perennial questions of justice, virtue, and the best political order. Interpretations of Leo Strauss and his followers vary significantly, with some critics viewing the Straussian approach as overly obscure or conspiratorial, while others see it as a vital method for understanding the true nature of political thought.