prompter: What are the major themes in the thought of Leo Strauss and Alexandre Kojeve regarding politics, philosophy, morality, and esotericism, and what are the agreements and disagreements between these two thinkers?

assistant: Leo Strauss and Alexandre Kojeve were two influential political philosophers who had different perspectives on politics, philosophy, morality, and esotericism.

Major Themes in the Thought of Leo Strauss:

Esotericism: Strauss believed that classical political philosophy was often written in an esoteric manner, meaning that it contained a hidden or deeper message meant for only a select few to understand.

Philosophy and Politics: Strauss argued that philosophy and politics were inextricably linked and that political philosophy should serve as a guide for political action.

Moral Relativism: Strauss believed that morality was relative and that there were no objective moral truths. He argued that political philosophy should provide guidance for the best way to live, but it should not prescribe absolute moral values.

Natural Right: Strauss emphasized the importance of the idea of natural right, which holds that there are certain rights and duties that are inherent to human nature and independent of historical or cultural context.

Major Themes in the Thought of Alexandre Kojeve:

Historical Materialism: Kojeve believed that history was driven by economic factors and that the ultimate goal of human history was the realization of a universal homogeneous state in which all conflict and struggle would cease.

Postmodernism: Kojeve was influenced by postmodern thought and believed that traditional metaphysical and moral values were no longer relevant in the modern world.

The End of History: Kojeve argued that history had come to an end with the realization of the universal homogeneous state and that there would be no further development or change in human society.

Agreements and Disagreements between Leo Strauss and Alexandre Kojeve:

Agreement: Both Strauss and Kojeve believed that philosophy and politics were closely linked and that political philosophy should play a role in shaping political action.

Disagreement: Strauss believed in moral relativism and the importance of natural right, while Kojeve was a postmodernist who believed that traditional moral values were no longer relevant.

Disagreement: Strauss emphasized the importance of esotericism in classical political philosophy, while Kojeve believed in the importance of historical materialism and the end of history.

In summary, Leo Strauss and Alexandre Kojeve had different perspectives on politics, philosophy, morality, and esotericism, but both believed in the importance of political philosophy in shaping political action.

prompter: Of Leo Strauss and Alexandre Kojeve who would be considered more conservative by current standards?

assistant: Leo Strauss is often considered to be more conservative than Alexandre Kojeve in contemporary political discourse. Strauss was a German-American political philosopher who is best known for his conservative and neo-classical approach to political philosophy. He emphasized the importance of tradition, natural law, and the permanent things, and was critical of relativism and nihilism.

On the other hand, Kojeve was a French philosopher who is best known for his interpretation of Hegel's philosophy. He is often considered a postmodern philosopher, who emphasized the importance of human desire and historical change. He believed that the end of history had been reached with the advent of the liberal state and saw liberal democracy as the final form of human government.

Based on these differences in their political philosophies, Strauss could be considered more conservative by current standards, while Kojeve's ideas could be seen as more progressive or liberal. However, it's important to note that the categorization of these philosophers as "conservative" or "progressive" can be a matter of interpretation and debate, and is often influenced by one's own political views and values.

assistant: Leo Strauss is generally considered to be more conservative than Alexandre Kojeve by contemporary standards. Strauss was a German-American political philosopher who was known for his conservative views and his emphasis on the study of classical texts. He believed in the importance of tradition and the preservation of moral and political values that were derived from the Western philosophical tradition.

On the other hand, Alexandre Kojeve was a French philosopher and diplomat who was known for his Marxist-inspired views and his support for Hegelian philosophy. Kojeve's ideas were influential in the development of postmodernism and continental philosophy, and he is often associated with leftist and liberal ideas.

Therefore, it is safe to say that Leo Strauss would be considered more conservative by contemporary standards when compared to Alexandre Kojeve.

assistant: Leo Strauss is often considered a conservative thinker due to his emphasis on natural right, moral relativism, and the importance of tradition in shaping political action. He also had a skeptical view of the Enlightenment and modernity, which some might see as a conservative perspective.

assistant: Leo Strauss and Alexandre Kojève were both influential political philosophers who made significant contributions to the fields of political theory, philosophy, and the interpretation of classic texts.

The major themes in Strauss's thought include the crisis of modernity, the conflict between reason and revelation, and the distinction between exoteric and esoteric writing. Strauss believed that the Enlightenment had led to a crisis of faith and values, and that the only way to resolve this crisis was to rediscover the wisdom of the ancients. He emphasized the importance of reading classic texts in their original context, and argued that many of these texts contained hidden or esoteric meanings that could only be understood by a small group of initiated readers.

Kojève, on the other hand, is best known for his interpretation of Hegel's philosophy and his emphasis on the end of history. Kojève argued that the development of modern democracy and the welfare state marked the end of history, as there was no longer any need for further political or social change. He believed that the purpose of philosophy was to provide a theoretical understanding of this state of affairs, and that human beings could now dedicate themselves to cultivating their own individuality and exploring their own desires.

While both Strauss and Kojève were concerned with the question of how to live a meaningful life in the modern world, they disagreed on a number of key issues. Strauss was skeptical of the Enlightenment project and its emphasis on reason, while Kojève was a strong advocate for it. Strauss also believed that the distinction between exoteric and esoteric writing was a necessary aspect of political life, while Kojève saw it as a form of elitism.

In conclusion, Strauss and Kojève both made important contributions to the fields of political philosophy and the interpretation of classic texts. Despite their differences, they both sought to understand the meaning of political and philosophical life in the modern world and to find ways to live a meaningful existence in a rapidly changing world.

prompter: Elaborate on the views of Strauss and Kojève on the Enlightenment project. Include details about their contemporaries if applicable.