Leo Strauss: The Mind Behind Neoconservatism

[aurum]

I wanted to share a conversation I had with ChatGPT about a relatively unknown philosopher, Leo Strauss. 

Originally I had intended to have a conversation about neoconservatism. But when GPT explained that Strauss was a key influential figure in that movement, I ended up going down a rabbit hole exploring his views.

What I find fascinating about Strauss is that I believe he presents a Steel Man critique of moral relativism, liberalism and many other modern ideologies. If you can't successfully argue against Leo Strauss' ideas, then your political philosophy is probably weak. He is not some right-wing demogague. He is worth integrating into your perspective.

This also ties nicely with anyone studying Post-Modernism.

Here is the link to the conversation:

https://chatgpt.com/share/3a639ac8-1835-49a9-9125-b8609e0d57d1

What's also interesting is that despite the fact that Strauss is not a right-wing demogague, his ideas were taken up by neoconservatives and used to justify policies like the Iraq War. Ironically, Strauss himself understood that ideology is often abused for the sake of political gain. But apparently his followers didn't read that part . 

[aurum]

Part 2. More discussion on democracy, nihilism, philosophical elitism and critiques of modernity. Strauss was a fascinating and sophisticated thinker:

https://chatgpt.com/share/d1986517-5f93-44e3-9729-259fef634c4d