Leo Strauss and the Theologico-Political Problem: (Modern European Philosophy)

This book, by one of the most prominent interpreters of Leo Strauss's thought, was the first to address the problem that Leo Strauss himself said was the theme of his studies: the theologico-political problem or the confrontation with the theological and the political alternative to philosophy as a way of life. In his theologico-political treatise, which comprises four parts and an appendix, Heinrich Meier clarifies the distinction between political theology and political philosophy and reappraises the unifying center of Strauss's philosophical enterprise. The book is the culmination of Meier's work on the theologico-political problem. It will interest anyone who seeks to understand both the problem caused by revelation for philosophy and the challenge posed by political-religious radicalism. The appendix makes available for the first time two lectures by Strauss that are immediately relevant to the subject of this book and that will open the way for future research and debate on the legacy of Strauss.

Table of Contents:
Preface to the American edition; Part I. The Theologico-Political Problem: 1. The theologico-political problem; 2. On the genealogy of faith in Revelation; 3. Death as God: a note on Martin Heidegger; Part II. The History of Philosophy and the Intention of the Philosopher: Reflections on Leo Strauss; Part III. What is Political Theology?; Part IV. Why Political Philosophy?: Appendix: two unpublished lectures by Leo Strauss; 1. The living issues of German postwar philosophy (1940); 2. Reason and revelation (1948).

About the Author :
Heinrich Meier is Director of the Carl Friedrich von Seimens Foundation in Munich and Professor of Philosophy at the University of Munich. The author of seven books, including Carl Schmitt and Leo Strauss: The Hidden Dialogue and The Lesson of Carl Schmitt: Four Chapters on the Distinction between Political Theology and Political Philosophy , he is also the editor of Leo Strauss's collected writings. In 1997 he received the Peregrinus Prize from the Bavarian Academy of Sciences in recognition of outstanding work in the humanities and in 2005 was awarded the Leibniz Medal at the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences.

Review :
'Heinrich Meier's excellent Leo Strauss and the Theologico-Political Problem is particularly timely and welcome. ... Meier's work helps us begin to understand the greatness of Strauss as a philosopher. That is an achievement worthy of note and gratitude.' The Weekly Standard 'A masterful study of Strauss ... The leading interpreter of Strauss's writings in Germany, as well as the editor of his collected works in German, Meier marshals abundant evidence from Strauss's corpus to demonstrate that his primary concern was indeed with the conflict between reason and revelation, and not with politics narrowly construed.' The New Republic 'Unlike most similar collections, however, this one holds together rather well.' Political Studies Review