Classic Natural Right or the Teaching on Tyranny

Abstract

Socrates was put to death when the amoral and apolitical nature of his philosophical life became apparent to his fellow citizens. If the philosopher is to redeem himself, he must, in justice as well as for the sake of appearances, make some contribution to the city: he must be compelled to return to the cave. But how could he possibly contribute to the well-being of the city since his truth is destructive of social life? The answer rests in the fact that philosophers, despite their shortcomings, are peculiarly fit for two tasks essential to the well-being of the city. First, their clever rhetoric (which enables them to make the weaker argument appear the stronger), can serve the city by strengthening its noble fictions. Secondly, philosophers are particularly fit to rule because they are wise. But since they are unlikely to take or be given power, they can serve the state best as advisers to those in power. What sort of political advice are they likely to give? To what standard will they appeal? For Strauss, their standard will understandably be derived from nature. They will regard political and legal justice best which comes closest to what is right by nature or to natural right.