Ancient Greek Democracy and American Republicanism

Prometheus in Political Theory

Theodosiadis, Michail

Traces the remnants of Ancient Greek democratic thought in American Republicanism
Discusses important and influential works of ancient Greek tragedy, such as Aeschylus’ Prometheus Bound and Euripides' Trojan Women
Reformulates Arendt’s approach to the American Revolution with the French Revolution, where she traces elements of ancient Greek democracy in modernity
Builds on Lasch’s views on the Populist movement, while reflecting on Aristotle’s Politics and Nicomachean Ethics, to deepen our understanding of participatory political possibilities from ancient to modern times
Incorporates abolitionist perspectives on the concept of ‘political Prometheism’, showing how important debates on contemporary challenges are central to our understanding of the feasibility of participatory politics
Ancient Greek Democracy and American Republicanism explores the archetype of Prometheus in political theory, representing faith in human agency and self-governance. It borrows perspectives from Hannah Arendt and Christopher Lasch, tracing Promethean elements in the philosophy behind the ancient Athenian polis as well as in early American republican thought, which laid the foundations of the American Revolution and also of the Populist Movement during the nineteenth century.
The second principle of Prometheism revolves around a 'tragic vision' of life and human nature; Prometheism questions optimistic ideologies advocating human perfection or endless improvement. Ancient Greek democracy and early American republicanism maintain a balanced – else called melioristic – approach to human agency and potential. They value the importance of action, without promising endless betterment and assured happiness. Finally, cultural heritage and identity are seen as crucial for participatory (Promethean) politics. With this in mind, the book criticises mainstream liberal trends and questions the ardent optimism and cultural nihilism of the republicanism of the French Revolution