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Ancient Greek Democracy and American Republicanism

Ancient Greek Democracy and American Republicanism Prometheus in Political Theory - Edinburgh Studies in Comparative Political Theory & Intellectual History

Hardback (28 Feb 2025)

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Publisher's Synopsis

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.

About the Publisher

Edinburgh University Press

Book information

ISBN: 9781399537292
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press
Imprint: Edinburgh University Press
Pub date:
DEWEY: 320.520973
DEWEY edition: 23
Language: English
Number of pages: 290
Weight: -1g
Height: 234mm
Width: 156mm