Abstract

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The aim of the research is to confront two zetetic models in the field of philosophy of politics. I am most interested in the views of Eric Voegelin and Leo Strauss and their references to ancient Greek philosophy. These inquiries will not only indicate the possibility of a multi-faceted understanding of the philosophy of politics in an anti-dogmatic zetetic spirit, but also the dif‑ ferences in zetetic models based on reflection in the field of philosophy of politics.

THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHODS: The article contains metaphilosophical considerations related to the field of philosophy of politics. The primary methods used will be philosophical methods, applied at the meta level to inquiries in the field of political philosophy.

THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: First, I will try to specify the phrase “zetetic model” based on passages from Plato, Aristotle and Sextus Empiricus. In the further part of my argument, I will present Voegelin’s zetetic model based on his book Order and History and Strauss’ model based on Restatement on Xenophon’s Hiero and compare both views.

RESEARCH RESULTS: Despite the fact that both these thinkers share common ideas (conservatism, normativism, radicalism, respect for Greek philosophy), there are fundamental differences in their understanding of philosophy as a zetetic process. This comparison also brings other metaphilosophical problems to light, resulting from the challenges of the philosophy of politics.

CONCLUSIONS, INNOVATIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The research shows that there is a need for a more in-depth and comprehensive examination of zetetic methods in recent philosophy of politics.