In this dissertation, I will investigate Western and non-Western critiques of modernity as exemplified in the political thought of Leo Strauss and Sayyid Qutb. Many scholars argue that Strauss offered two solutions to the modernity problem: one is purely Philosophical, and the other is a combination of theology and philosophy. However, I argue that Strauss proposed a third and fourth solutions to resolve this problem: reviving the classical political philosophy and reconciliation between religion and philosophy. In addition, in this dissertation I argue that Qutb may be considered a Straussian thinker based on particular similarities between the two philosophers’ political theories on anti-modernity. In this study I aim to answer the following questions: What are the common problems in Strauss and Qutb’s political thought? Does Strauss provide one or multiple answers to the crisis of Western modernity? How can comparative political theory help us explain and understand postmodern alternatives, such as Islamism? Does Qutb fit the criteria for a Straussian thinker? Is Strauss a Qutbian thinker? In this dissertation, I utilize comparative political theory as a methodology that can enable us, as students of politics, to compare the political thought of Strauss and Qutb and to make it possible to establish a dialogue between them. This comparison will be based on how Strauss and Qutb conceptualize Western modernity as a problematic element in contemporary political and philosophical life.
Subject (authority = local)
Topic
Strauss
Subject (authority = RUETD)
Topic
Political Science
RelatedItem (type = host)
TitleInfo
Title
Rutgers University Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Identifier (type = RULIB)
ETD
Identifier
ETD_8891
PhysicalDescription
Form (authority = gmd)
electronic resource
InternetMediaType
application/pdf
InternetMediaType
text/xml
Extent
1 online resource (vii, 268 p.)
Note (type = degree)
Ph.D.
Note (type = bibliography)
Includes bibliographical references
Note (type = statement of responsibility)
by Ali Hussain Ali Alhabibi
Subject
Name (authority = LCNAF)
NamePart (type = personal)
Strauss, Leo
Subject
Name (authority = LCNAF)
NamePart (type = personal)
Quṭb, Sayyid, 1906-1966
RelatedItem (type = host)
TitleInfo
Title
School of Graduate Studies Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Identifier (type = local)
rucore10001600001
Location
PhysicalLocation (authority = marcorg); (displayLabel = Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey)
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