I was formally introducted to Leo Strauss as a sophomore, in a class entitled “Trends in Modern Jewish Philosophy”. I remember appreciating Strauss’ willingness to question the value-neutral approach of his fellow social scientists, in this case, as it related to studying religion. His political thought, though, is both more popular and more controversial. Neoconservatives look to him as their ideological father while liberals paint him as a subversive fascist. In the most recent issue of Prospect, Edward Skidelsky offers some context for this debate and Strauss’ thought in general. It’s long but worth the read.

I’m not a Straussian by any means, especically when it comes to reading Plato and Rambam. But such couragiously independent thinkers are rare in academic circles and I can admire Strauss as one of the few genuine philosophers of his day.