Straussianische

Straussianische refers to the distinctive philosophical approach and interpretive method associated with the political philosopher Leo Strauss. Straussianism encompasses a set of ideas and practices developed by Strauss and subsequently followed or debated by his students and other scholars. A central tenet of Straussian thought is the belief that there is a distinction between the esoteric and the exoteric in philosophical and political writing. Esoteric writing, according to Strauss, is the hidden meaning intended for a select few who can understand it, while exoteric writing is the surface meaning designed for the broader public. This distinction arises from Strauss's view that overt philosophical or political pronouncements can be dangerous to the author, the ideas, or society itself, leading thinkers to conceal their true intentions through careful, often ambiguous, language.

Consequently, Straussian hermeneutics involves a meticulous analysis of texts, looking for subtle clues, deliberate omissions, and apparent contradictions that might reveal the author's underlying, often heterodox, beliefs. This method emphasizes close reading and a deep engagement with the history of political philosophy, seeking to uncover the "great tradition" of Western thought, which Strauss believed had been obscured by modern philosophy. Key figures often analyzed through a Straussian lens include Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, and Hobbes. The interpretation of these thinkers is crucial for understanding the Straussian critique of modernity, which they often see as characterized by historicism, relativism, and a rejection of natural right. While Straussianism has significantly influenced political theory and the study of intellectual history, it has also drawn criticism for its perceived elitism and potential for manipulative interpretation.