Discussion (1L): On Tyranny: Xenophon's Dialogue and Leo Strauss's Commentary

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Xenophon's classic dialogue features a discussion between a poet and the tyrant of Syracuse about the nature of tyranny -- a topic of special interest and concern today. The ironic frame of the dialogue -- in which the tyrant criticizes and the poet ostensibly defends tyranny -- make it especially engaging. The published version of the dialogue we will be using (Leo Straus, On Tyranny), was prepared by Leo Strauss, one of the most challenging and controversial political theorists of the 20th century, and is accompanied by an exchange between Strauss and Alexandre Kojève, a French political philosopher and author of Introduction to the Reading of Hegel. This work will serve as a springboard for our group to discuss the current state of freedom around the world and the rise of "post-liberalism" in the United States. The first session will be devoted largely to Xenophon's work, the second and third to Strauss and Kojève, and the fourth and final session to a free-wheeling discussion of debates today. We will begin each session with a home-cooked meal. Elements used in grading: Full attendance, reading of assigned materials, and active participation. Class meets: 6:30 PM-9:00 PM on Sept. 16, Oct. 14, Nov. 4, Nov 11.