A small group of students gathered yesterday to discuss the evolution of neoconservative political philosophy and its role in the current government.
Political Science professor Anne Norton described the neoconservatives -- whose followers include some high-profile politicians such as Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz -- as breaking away from traditional conservative values by emphasizing their desire for big government, military expansion and authoritarian presidents.
As part of King's Court/English House's Perspectives in the Humanities Program, the group of about 20 students gathered to talk to Norton about these issues, which she addressed in a recently published book.
Anthony Cheng, a College sophomore who serves as manager of the program, said the goal of the event was "to bring people together for an intellectual but relaxed forum," where students would not be worried about grades and instead be able to freely talk to professors about topics that interest them.
Norton was commissioned to write the book -- Leo Strauss and the Politics of American Empire -- by Yale University due to her close contact with the late political science professor and philosopher's students and followers.
A lively discussion ensued as Norton took questions from the audience ranging from the influence of Strauss' philosophy on bioethics to the ironic aspects of neoconservative ideology.
Some neoconservatives have interpreted Strauss as a forbearer of the movement, but Norton emphasized that the philosopher's ideas in many ways diverged from the modern political perception.
Brandon Whittaker, a College sophomore who helped organize the event, thought she would be a good speaker for the forum after hearing her speak about her book at the Penn Bookstore.
"I'm in one of professor Norton's classes this fall, and I've enjoyed her lectures," he said. "I thought she brought a great deal of insight into the life of Leo Strauss and his followers and how they have influenced American foreign policy. I thought that students should learn about their influence," he said.
The event drew students with a broad range of interests.
"I am interested in politics and humanities, and being in the sciences, I search for these opportunities. It sounded like a fascinating topic," College freshman Sarah Wensley said.
PiH holds semesterly discussions with recently published Penn professors as part of its Penn Authors Forum.
