Project Report. Leo Strauss Revisits Xenophon: The Esoteric Socratic Philosopher

The CHS Pre-Doctoral Fellowship in Hellenic Studies has been a pivotal milestone in my personal and academic development. I am sincerely grateful for the diverse opportunities and enriching experiences it has provided. This fellowship has significantly advanced my research capabilities by granting me access to Harvard’s electronic resources, including the Harvard Library’s Scan and Deliver system. This access has been crucial for obtaining the bibliographical sources essential for my research progress. Additionally, the fellowship gave me the opportunity to publish a paper on my research topic under the supervision and guidance of Professor Melina Tamiolaki. Her mentorship not only did enhance this project but also enriched my entire PhD trajectory. The paper, entitled “Leo Strauss’ Xenophon: The Two Ways of Life,” was published in the CHS Research Bulletin 12 (2024).

The fellowship also included a memorable trip to Cambridge, MA, and Washington, DC, where I had the privilege of visiting Harvard University and the Center for Hellenic Studies, respectively. Accompanied by my co-fellows, Chara Theotokatou and Ioannis Karakirisidis, I had the valuable opportunity to engage with their diverse pre-doctoral projects on Hellenic studies. This experience sparked fascinating interdisciplinary conversations focused on the multidimensional aspects of Greek antiquity. This trip has been a significant milestone: at Harvard University, we had the opportunity to meet professors and scholars, share our research findings and interests, and benefit from their advice and insights. Furthermore, visiting the Center for Hellenic Studies in Washington, DC, provided an excellent opportunity to present my research findings during a Fellow Talk organized by the CHS. We engaged in stimulating discussions with scholars and fellows from diverse backgrounds, exchanging ideas that significantly advanced our research. A highlight of the visit was our trip to Howard University, where we had the pleasure of discussing Greek antiquity with enthusiastic students.

My research project that has been supported by this pre-doctoral fellowship is entitled “Leo Strauss Revisits Xenophon: The Esoteric Socratic Philosopher”; it is an integral part of my broader PhD endeavor. Specifically, this project aims to explore the application of the method of esoteric reading—a hermeneutic tradition revived by Leo Strauss—to the works of Xenophon. In this exploration, Xenophon is not merely viewed as a historian but rather as a genuine philosopher. My project delves into the interplay between theoretical or philosophical life and practical or political life within Xenophon’s work, employing the lens of esoteric reading and interpreting it through the insights of Leo Strauss. By adopting this approach, I seek to uncover layers of meaning and subtleties that may not be immediately apparent, revealing deeper philosophical insights inherent in Xenophon’s writings. This investigation is significant in shedding light on how ancient Greek thinkers like Xenophon grappled with the complexities of philosophical ideals and their interplay with the practical realm of politics and daily life. Moreover, by examining Xenophon through the interpretive framework developed by Leo Strauss, my research intends to offer some perspectives on understanding Strauss’ methodology and its application to classical texts. Ultimately, this project aims to participate in scholarly discourse by presenting perspectives on Xenophon’s philosophical contributions and the ongoing relevance of esoteric reading as an interpretive method in classical studies.

This particular project, as described, forms an integral part of my PhD dissertation. Within this dissertation, I aim to explore Leo Strauss’ critique of modern rationalism and its resulting impacts, particularly evident in the spheres of social sciences, especially historicism, and positivism, often leading to political and ethical relativism, or even nihilism. Strauss’ response to this challenge, or to what he identifies as the “crisis of the West,” involves a return to the fundamental philosophical questions in their authentic form. This endeavor necessitates a reexamination of classical antiquity from a renewed perspective, departing from historicism and embracing esotericism to reveal unexplored dimensions of West’s philosophical tradition. One of the central problems in classical Greek thought, according to Strauss, revolves around the tension between theoretical life—embodied by the philosopher—and political life—embodied by the polis . This tension is epitomized in the figure of Socrates, the philosopher famously condemned by the city of Athens, and is distinctly evident in the writings of the “Socratics,” notably Plato and Xenophon. Understanding this intricate tension sheds light on the complexities of our modern era but also offers insights into revitalizing our political landscape. Strauss’ examination of the theory-praxis problem not only reevaluates classical political thought but also presents a fresh perspective on liberalism, one that critically assesses and enriches prevailing conceptions.

I eagerly anticipate one more opportunity presented by CHS Greece to expand upon my project on Leo Strauss’ Xenophon during the CHS Greece Annual Research Workshop 2024, which will take place in Nafplio, Greece, in early September. This forthcoming engagement provides another occasion for me to share further dimensions of my research with a Greek audience, fostering new insights and stimulating fresh discussions. I am excited about the prospect of exchanging ideas within this context.

In conclusion, the journey I embarked upon thanks to the CHS Pre-Doctoral Fellowship in Hellenic Studies has deepened my understanding of classical Greek thought and profoundly enriched my scholarly pursuits. From the invaluable access to resources and mentorship opportunities to the interdisciplinary exchanges and enriching experiences during the fellowship, each aspect has contributed to my development as a researcher and thinker. As I look forward to the forthcoming engagement at the CHS Greece Annual Research Workshop 2024 in Nafplio, Greece, I am filled with anticipation to continue exploring the multifaceted dimensions of ancient philosophy. I am grateful for the support and guidance provided by the Center for Hellenic Studies and eagerly anticipate the opportunities that lie ahead in advancing our understanding of classical studies.