Liberalism and the Question: Strauss and Derrida on Politics and Philosophy

In: Telos, Heft 166, S. 143-160

Abstract

Here, Schiff looks at Leo Strauss and Jacques Derrida with regard to the theory of liberal democracy. Despite the differences between their camps, 'Both were critical of the self-confidence of liberal democracy, and for both the relationship between politics and philosophy was a central theme of their work.' Both also attempted to clarify their own thinking by turning to the Greeks. Schiff puts them in productive conversation with each other, particularly with regard to their signature practices of reading texts, esotericism and deconstruction. Adapted from the source document.