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Ancient Greek Democracy and American Republicanism: Prometheus in Political Theory

Ancient Greek Democracy and American Republicanism: Prometheus in Political Theory

Hardcover

Series: Edinburgh Studies in Comparative Political Theory and Intellectual History

PhilosophyGeneral Political ScienceUnited States Politics

ISBN10: 1399537296
ISBN13: 9781399537292
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press
Published: Feb 28 2025
Pages: 296
Weight: 1.30
Height: 0.69 Width: 6.14 Depth: 9.21
Language: English

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 Prometheanism revolves around a 'tragic vision' of life and human nature; Prometheanism 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.

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