Ancient Greek Democracy and American Republicanism

<p>This book elaborates on the archetype of Prometheus, symbolising faith in human agency and self-governance. It traces common ‘Promethean’ elements in ancient Greek democratic trends and American republican currents. It engages with Aeschylus, Aristotle, Protagoras, Euripides, Thucydides and Aesop, alongside Tocqueville, Jefferson, Paine and Adams. It builds upon the perspectives of Hannah Arendt and Christopher Lasch, revealing neglected connections between American republicanism and the 19^th century Populist movement. By expanding on Lasch’s and Cornelius Castoriadis’ analyses, the book approaches democracy from a <italic>melioristic</italic> (or hopeful) angle; that is, a Promethean democracy does not place unlimited trust in human reason, promising perfection or endless progress. It asserts that the <italic>eudaimonia</italic> (public happiness) and <italic>eu zein</italic> (good life), the end of every political association (according to Aristotle), requires persistent effort, whose outcomes are never fully guaranteed. Moreover, Prometheanism emphasises the role of cultural heritage and religion in political engagement. This vision contrasts sharply with the secular nihilism and radical optimism of the French Revolution. Additionally, by elaborating on Lasch, the book challenges key modern liberal concepts rooted in Locke, Spencer and Mandeville. It questions the optimism of the modern view of liberalism as the most advanced form of democracy, destined to fulfill the promise of constant improvement of our living conditions. Instead, I argue that Western liberalism is profoundly anti-Promethean and anti-democratic. Thus, by drawing on the Athenian polis and the republican aspects of American Populism, the book posits the <italic>melioristic</italic> democratic Prometheanism as an antidote to the contemporary political impasse.</p>