Ask the beast

why does tyler cowen mean when he says something is “Straussian”?”

That is perhaps the question I have received the most often over the last five years, subbing in “what” for “why.”  And, via Jeremy Davis, here is the answer he received:

Tyler Cowen is an economist and author who is known for his use of the term “Straussian” to describe certain ideas or perspectives. The term “Straussian” is a reference to the political philosopher Leo Strauss, who was active in the mid-20th century. Strauss is known for his belief that there is a fundamental tension between reason and tradition, and that the best way to understand political ideas is to look at the underlying assumptions and hidden meanings that are present in the text.

When Cowen says something is “Straussian,” he typically means that it is characterized by a focus on underlying principles and hidden meanings, rather than surface-level appearances. He might also be referring to the ideas of Leo Strauss, who is known for his emphasis on the study of classical texts and his belief that political philosophy should be grounded in an understanding of the great works of the past.

In general, when Cowen uses the term “Straussian” he is using it as an adjective to describe a perspective or approach that is characterized by an emphasis on careful reading, attention to detail, and an appreciation for the complexity of ideas. It is often used by Cowen to point out that some perspectives are not as straightforward as they seem, and that there is always more to be discovered if we look beneath the surface.

Now you can stop asking!

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