Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Political philosophy at its heart is careful thinking and reflection on what we observe going on around us in politics. In this respect political philosophy is political science classically understood. What binds Arendt, Strauss and Voegelin together in their approach to political analysis B despite significant differences in important respects B is their acceptance of the need to begin with the facts on the ground, with interest in historical developments and with care for concepts and vocabulary. In a certain respect, therefore, the answer to the question, What is political philosophy?, is neither obscure nor difficult to understand: It is simply careful thinking about politics. Of course, thinking carefully about politics leads eventually into matters that are difficult to resolve and not lacking in mystery. But the point is to start from something solid and straightforward which gives a reference point to keep control over speculation. Arendt, Strauss and Voegelin have contributed most significantly to the task of restoring careful thinking about politics. One could say that the task for political philosophers of the last half century has been this restoration project.