In October 2024, Professor Rasoul Namazi of Duke Kunshan University and Professor Svetozar Y. Minkov of Roosevelt University published a major work, Leo Strauss on Religion: Writings and Interpretations, with State University of New York Press (SUNY). This volume presents an edited collection of newly discovered writings by Leo Strauss, the seminal German-American political philosopher and historian of political philosophy, along with interpretative essays by leading international scholars.
About Professor Namazi
Professor Rasoul Namazi is an Assistant Professor of Political Theory at Duke Kunshan University. His research focuses on the comparative study of Islamic and Western political thought, with works published in leading academic journals such as Review of Politics, The Journal of Religion, and Perspectives on Political Science.
He defines political philosophy as the pursuit of wisdom about the fundamental questions of political life. Like political science, political philosophy examines political institutions, power, and governance using empirical analysis, but in addition, it explores the underlying principles that ought to guide political life. Political philosophy also encourages reflection on both past and present ideas, helping us evaluate the assumptions that shape political systems and guiding us in thinking critically about the principles that define a just society.
Curious about political political philosophy? Namazi recommends taking POLSCI 312: Islamic Political Thought. This course explores political philosophy within the Islamic tradition, examining foundational texts alongside contemporary debates. Students will engage with primary sources, including the Qur’an and the works of Muslim philosophers, theologians, and historians, to analyze themes such as the relationship between politics and religion, the nature of political authority, and concepts of justice, power, and governance.
Book description
This volume addresses the central theme of Leo Strauss’ work, making a significant contribution to the study of Strauss’s perspectives on politics and religion. It includes twelve newly discovered writings by Strauss, meticulously transcribed and edited by the editors, exploring key figures such as Judah Halevi, Lessing, Maimonides, Pascal, Plato, Rousseau, Spinoza, and the concept of civil religion.
Essential for both avid readers and newcomers, this collection unveils sharper formulations and frank discussions. It provides a rare peek into the ambiguous aspects of the political philosopher’s renowned reticence in formulating his ultimate thoughts. A defining aspect of this project is the inclusion of extensive interpretative essays by eleven distinguished international scholars, offering diverse perspectives on these newly available manuscripts. Their contributions enrich the volume, providing fresh insights into Strauss’s engagement with the relationship between religion and politics. The philosopher’s thought is put in a new perspective thereby enriching the scholarly debate around the controversial yet influential legacy of Leo Strauss.
The introduction of previously inaccessible texts to the academic community fosters a deeper understanding of Strauss’s thought and its broader implications. As one of the most substantial publications on Strauss in recent decades, this volume is expected to serve as a key reference for future scholarship. By combining rigorous textual scholarship with insightful analysis, Leo Strauss on Religion not only broadens the study of Strauss’s work but also deepens discussions on the intersections of philosophy, religion, and political thought.
Critical Acclaim
The book has already received high praise from leading scholars in political philosophy and Strauss studies:
“This magisterial volume, combining long-awaited manuscripts by Strauss himself with commentary by a diverse and international group of scholars, represents a dramatic contribution to Strauss studies.” — Jeffrey A. Bernstein, coeditor of Leo Strauss and Contemporary Thought: Reading Strauss Outside the Lines
“This volume adds a whole new dimension to our understanding of a theme central to Leo Strauss’s philosophizing—the relation between religion and political philosophy. Combining unpublished writings by Strauss with insightful interpretations, Leo Strauss on Religion constitutes a singular contribution to the study of one of the greatest philosophers of the modern era.” — Peter J. Ahrensdorf, author of Homer and the Tradition of Political Philosophy: Encounters with Plato, Machiavelli, and Nietzsche
Concluding Remarks
We congratulate Professor Namazi on his outstanding work. Duke Kunshan University takes great pride in its distinguished faculty and excellence in research across all disciplines. For those interested in learning more, the book is available on the publisher’s page at the following link: https://sunypress.edu/Books/L/Leo-Strauss-on-Religion
Written by: Eric Eberly, Class of 2028
Edited by: Prof. Rasoul Namazi
