LEO STRAUSS AND THE ARGUMENT OF NATURAL THEOLOGY

Abstract

In this paper, I analyze the two versions of Leo Straussʼ argument of natural theology, presented respectively in Reason and Revelation (1948, 2007) and The Mutual Influence of Theology and Philosophy (1954, 1979). In both cases, Strauss confronts this argument with major difficulties. On the one hand, with the mysterious character of an all-wise God; on the other hand, with the flawed response of modern science, represented by Spinozaʼs attempt to obtain the system of nature, or the completed account of the whole, which would rule out the possibility of the existence of an omnipotent and unfathomable God. I will try to argue how natural theology may solve this major difficulties, namely by referring to the idea of justice as suggested in Straussʼ An Untitled Lecture on Platoʼs Euthyphron.