The "political theological problem"--the question of whether philosophy or religion holds the ultimate authority over humanity's actions--looms large in several of Heinrich Meier's books. His latest work addresses this problem head-on. Revealed religion, in its claim to truth and demand for obedience, challenges philosophy both politically and theologically. It is, in fact, the most powerful objection that has been raised against philosophy. Meier argues that the proper task of political philosophy is to defend the philosophic way of life and the free and unrestricted questioning it requires. Placed at the work's center is a detailed investigation of Leo Strauss's most complex and controversial book, "Thoughts on Machiavelli." Here, Strauss relates the problem of Socrates, arguably the starting point of ancient political philosophy, to the problem of Machiavelli, who for many marks the beginning of modern political philosophy. Between Socrates and Machiavelli stands the political and theological challenge of revealed religion.

Meier controversially contends that "Thoughts on Machiavelli" revolves around this challenge. The book concludes with a new interpretation of Rousseau's "Social Contract." Through a close reading of the argument and the structure of the text, Meier shows how Rousseau's most famous work can and should be understood as a coherent political philosophic response to theocracy in the various forms in which it has appeared. For Meier, no other book of a modern philosopher achieves the clarity with which "Social Contract" defines the nature and Limits of politics. Finally, this English edition of the book publishes, for the first time, Strauss's headings to each paragraph in "Thoughts on Machiavelli.".