Former young conservative, Matthew Sitman, joins the podcast to discuss the intellectual right's fascination with Straussian philosophy and its connection to American right's current political projects. They explore Leo Strauss' influence on American conservatism, the seductiveness of Straussianism, and the challenges faced by intellectuals in getting funding for their work. They also delve into the extent to which the right wing will push their agenda, the frustrations with purity politics on the left, and the erosion of public goods and the common good.
Straussianism is a complex philosophy that emphasizes close reading of texts to uncover hidden meanings and esoteric statements.
The allure of Straussianism lies in its narrative of decline, which explores the decline of moral values and societal structures in modernity.
Straussianism includes a critique of liberalism, questioning historicist ideas and highlighting enduring truths and principles.
Understanding Straussianism requires delving into its various themes, methods, and arguments while recognizing its complexity and diversity of interpretations.
Conservative intellectuals play a vital role in shaping the conservative movement, utilizing accessible language and tapping into religious or populist vocabulary to engage different audiences.
Deep dives
Straussianism and the Conservative Intellectual Tradition
Straussianism is a method of reading texts and has its roots in the conservative intellectual tradition. It emphasizes the study of ancient and modern thinkers, delving into their works to uncover hidden meanings and esoteric statements. Leo Strauss, a prominent figure in Straussian thought, believed in the importance of close reading and the exploration of texts beyond their surface meaning. Straussianism also critiques historicism, which posits that truth and ideas are historically contingent rather than being transcendent or universal. This methodology has played a role in shaping conservative political thought and the critique of liberalism. However, it is worth noting that Straussianism is a complex and multi-faceted philosophy that defies strict categorization.
Narrative of Decline and the Seductive Nature of Straussianism
Straussianism offers a seductive appeal to many intellectuals, drawing them into the study of philosophy and political theory. One reason for this allure is the narrative of decline, which is a recurring theme in the conservative intellectual tradition. This narrative posits that modernity has led to a decline in moral values, societal structures, and the pursuit of truth. Straussianism provides a framework for understanding this narrative and exploring the works of ancient and modern thinkers who grapple with these issues. Additionally, the method of reading texts esoterically, uncovering hidden meanings, and engaging with the complex ideas presented in them adds to the allure of Straussianism for intellectual enthusiasts.
Straussianism and the Critique of Liberalism
Straussianism includes a critique of liberalism, particularly in its historicist form. The philosophy questions the idea that ideas and values are historically contingent and instead highlights the existence of enduring truths and principles. Straussian thinkers engage with liberal ideas such as individual rights, freedom of expression, and limits on government power, but scrutinize the broader liberal project. This critique has resonated with some conservative thinkers who argue that liberalism's emphasis on individual rights and relativism weakens societal foundations and undermines traditional values. Straussianism plays a role in shaping conservative intellectual discourse and offers an alternative to the liberal paradigm.
Complexity and Variations of Straussianism
It's important to note that Straussianism defies easy categorization or definition. It encompasses a range of interpretations and perspectives, leading to different schools of thought within the tradition. There are debates among scholars about the application and implications of Straussian ideas, making it a multifaceted philosophy. While it can be associated with conservative intellectual thought and critiques of liberalism, it is not monolithic or universally embraced by all conservative thinkers. Understanding Straussianism requires delving into its various themes, methods, and arguments, while remaining cognizant of its complexity and diverse interpretations.
The power of conservative intellectuals and their influence
Conservative intellectuals play a significant role in shaping and justifying the conservative movement. They have forums and funding available to them that can launch them into the national consciousness. Their ideas have particular power due to the relatively small size of the conservative movement, allowing them to connect with politicians and grassroots movements. Funding is often provided to support conservative intellectuals, including postdocs and summer programs, which provide opportunities for networking and validation within elite institutions.
The importance of language and rhetoric in reaching different audiences
The use of accessible and relatable language, such as religious or populist vocabulary, can be effective in reaching different audiences. Utilizing moral ideals, dreams, and aspirations can mobilize people and make political ideas more powerful and engaging. The religion-friendly discourse can connect to religious communities and tap into moral and justice-centric vocabularies that are familiar and powerful. Similarly, a populist rhetoric can appeal to those who are concerned about fairness, equality, and addressing societal issues. The left can benefit from finding language that resonates with people's values and beliefs while highlighting its progressive agenda.
The need for a usable past and connection to American history
The left should establish a usable past and connect its progressive agenda to American history. By highlighting American heroes like Lincoln, FDR, Maya Angelou, Eugene Debs, and MLK, the left can draw inspiration from a pantheon of progressive figures. This allows for a hopeful and inspiring narrative that counters the conservative narrative of decline. Emphasizing the achievements and values of these figures can help the left create a sense of identity and optimism while framing its progressive agenda as deeply rooted in the American experience.
Conservatives' assault on public goods and the common good
The current right-wing intellectual movement is characterized by a deep anti-social and anti-public sentiment. This is reflected in their attacks on public schools, the erosion of democratic values, and the glorification of individualism and private hierarchies. They seek to dismantle public goods and the sense of a common good, promoting a society where public spaces are unsafe and offering a vision of society devoid of equality, fairness, and basic justice.
Rhetorical advantage of the right and the need for strategic thinking on the left
The right has a rhetorical advantage through their simplistic and easily understandable solutions, such as tougher penalties, increased police presence, and the endorsement of individual gun rights. The left, on the other hand, faces a practical and philosophical challenge. Strategically, the left needs to develop intelligible and relatable narratives to effectively communicate complex issues. Philosophically, the left must reconnect with a grounded truth and develop arguments based on justice and shared values to present a persuasive and appealing vision to a broader audience.
It's a political theory day, speaking with the Know Your Enemy podcast's Matthew Sitman, a former young conservative. Starting with some Roe v. Wade, we then dive deep into the intellectual right's endless fascination with Straussian philosophy (that's Leo Strauss), its underlying esotericism, and its connection to the American right's current political projects. There's a lot of namedropping (both of individuals and institutions) in this episode, so if there are outstanding questions you can tweet them at @matthewsitman, @mattpolprof, and @victorbruzzone
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