We are thrilled to celebrate the release of this essential new volume, expertly edited by Svetozar Y. Minkov (Professor of Philosophy at Roosevelt University) and Rasoul Namazi (Assistant Professor of Political Theory at Duke Kunshan University).

• Publisher: State University of New York Press
• Year: 2024

Book Overview:
This landmark volume offers a unique glimpse into the previously unpublished writings of Leo Strauss, illuminating his nuanced reflections on the dynamic relationship between religion, philosophy, and politics. The twelve featured manuscripts, accompanied by fourteen insightful essays from leading scholars, invite readers to delve into Strauss’s complex legacy with a fresh lens, making this collection essential for both Strauss enthusiasts and newcomers.

Book blurbs:

“This magisterial volume, combining long-awaited manuscripts by Strauss himself with commentary by a diverse and international group of scholars, represents a dramatic contribution to Strauss studies.” — Jeffrey A. Bernstein, coeditor of Leo Strauss and Contemporary Thought: Reading Strauss Outside the Lines

“This volume adds a whole new dimension to our understanding of a theme central to Leo Strauss’s philosophizing—the relation between religion and political philosophy. Combining unpublished writings by Strauss and interpretations of those writings, Leo Strauss on Religion constitutes a singular contribution to the study of one of the greatest philosophers of the modern era.” — Peter J. Ahrensdorf, author of Homer and the Tradition of Political Philosophy: Encounters with Plato, Machiavelli, and Nietzsche.

For more information, please visit the publisher’s page.

Explore more about the editors:

• Svetozar Y. Minkov’s profile
• Rasoul Namazi’s profile

This remarkable collection is sure to enrich the field of political theory and deepen our understanding of Strauss’s enduring influence on modern intellectual thought.

Congratulations to Professor Ben Van Overmeire on his publication of American Koan: Imagining Zen and Self in Autobiographical Literature! This remarkable work explores how American Buddhists utilize Zen riddles to shape their identities.

The koan, a renowned East Asian spiritual exercise, serves as a thought experiment in the form of riddles or puzzles that Zen Buddhists use to attain enlightenment. Iconic examples include the questions, “What is the sound of one hand clapping?” and “Does a dog have Buddha-nature?” Additionally, the provocative injunction “If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him” challenges conventional understanding.

In American Koan, Professor Van Overmeire examines the literary function of these ancient dialogues within the autobiographies of modern Western writers, including Natalie Goldberg, Peter Matthiessen, Philip Kapleau, and Ruth Ozeki. Through insightful analyses, he reveals the vibrant world of American Zen literature, addressing themes such as success and failure in Zen, the role of women in this traditionally patriarchal context, the integration of Zen insight with compassion, and the illusion of linear time. This critical yet empathetic study offers a captivating perspective on the journey of Americans becoming Buddhas.

For more information, please click here :American Koan – UVA Press (virginia.edu)

The Humanities Research Center is delighted to celebrate Professor Emily McWilliams’ participation in the inaugural volume of the Balkan Analytic Forum’s (BAF) publication series. Professor McWilliams Co-Edited the volume with Professor Miroslava Trajkovski from the University of Belgrade, who directs the Balkan Analytic Forum. As the volume’s Co-Editor, Professor McWilliams played a vital role in shaping a collection of essays that delve into themes from the forum’s inaugural conference series, including BAF I: Normativity and BAF+: Normativity of Art. Professor McWilliams notes that these essays highlight the diversity and depth of analytic philosophy’s approach to normativity, offering valuable insights that resonate across various philosophical traditions.

Professor McWilliams expressed her enthusiasm for this project, noting how meaningful it was to work on this volume as a philosopher at a Sino-American joint venture institution with a global outlook. The mission of the Balkan Analytic Forum, which emphasizes the historical and cultural embeddedness of intellectual traditions while fostering global dialogue, aligns perfectly with Duke Kunshan University’s own commitment to rooted globalism. You can access the electronic version of the publication here: Balkan Analytic Forum – Normativity 2024.

In addition to her editorial work, Professor McWilliams was honored with two prestigious speaking engagements at the University of Belgrade this month. She delivered a keynote address at the 2nd Annual Balkan Analytic Forum Conference, titled “Hijacking and Relational Intellectual Humility in Collective Inquiry”, and presented an invited lecture on “Inquiry and Epistemic Injustice”. To access the video, please click the following link: Instagram Reel.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor McWilliams for her outstanding contributions and for advancing global scholarly exchange in the field of analytic philosophy!