# Prometheus What is the myth of prometheus? > [!ai]+ AI > > The myth of Prometheus is an ancient Greek myth that tells the story of Prometheus, a Titan who defied the gods and stole fire from Mount Olympus to give it to humans. According to the myth, Prometheus was known for his intelligence and cunning. > In [[Greek mythology]], humans were living in darkness and struggling with survival until Prometheus intervened. He felt compassion for them and decided to help by stealing fire, which was considered a divine secret, from Zeus, the king of gods. > Prometheus took a hollow reed and carried the stolen fire inside it back to Earth. He then gifted it to humans, enabling them to harness its power for warmth, cooking food, crafting tools, and advancing civilization. This act elevated humanity from primitive existence into a more sophisticated society. > However, Zeus was enraged by Prometheus' defiance and punished him severely. As a punishment for his audacity, Zeus ordered Prometheus to be chained to a rock on Mount Caucasus where an eagle would come each day to eat his liver. The liver would regenerate overnight only for the eagle to return the next day and repeat the cycle. > Prometheus endured this torment for many years until he was eventually rescued by Heracles (Hercules), who fought off the eagle and freed him. > The myth of Prometheus has been interpreted in various ways throughout history. It is often seen as a symbol of human progress and enlightenment through defiance against oppressive forces. Additionally, it explores themes such as rebellion against authority and the consequences that follow such actions. As a history of science and technology sociologist, What does the myth of prometheus tell us about technology. > [!ai]+ AI > > The myth of Prometheus provides valuable insights into the relationship between humanity and technology. In Greek mythology, Prometheus is a Titan who defies the gods by stealing fire from Mount Olympus and giving it to humans. This act of defiance represents the gift of knowledge and technology to mankind. > From a sociological perspective, the myth highlights several important aspects about technology: > 1. Technology as a transformative force: The act of Prometheus giving fire to humans signifies the transformative power of technology. Fire, in this context, represents knowledge, innovation, and progress. It symbolizes how technology can dramatically alter human life and society. > 2. Technology as a double-edged sword: While Prometheus's gift brings immense benefits to humanity, it also has unintended consequences. In Greek mythology, Zeus punishes Prometheus for his actions, resulting in his eternal torment. This illustrates that technology can be both beneficial and dangerous if not used responsibly or ethically. > 3. Technology as a catalyst for human development: The myth suggests that technology plays a crucial role in human development and advancement. By providing fire (knowledge), Prometheus empowers humans to create tools, build civilizations, and explore new possibilities. This reflects the ongoing relationship between scientific discoveries, technological innovations, and societal progress. > 4. Technology as a source of empowerment: The myth underscores how access to knowledge and technology can empower individuals or groups to challenge existing power structures or authority figures (in this case, the gods). It emphasizes that technological advancements can enable social change and revolutionize established norms. > 5. Technology as a symbol of human curiosity: Prometheus's act is driven by his desire to nurture human potential by granting them access to divine knowledge. This portrays humanity's inherent curiosity and thirst for understanding the world around them—a driving force behind scientific inquiry and technological advancements throughout history. > Overall, the myth of Prometheus provides valuable insights into how technology has been perceived throughout history—both as an empowering force that drives progress but also as a potential source of danger if not approached with caution and responsibility. What are the historial sources for the myth of prometheus, and what are literary treatments that followed? > [!ai]+ AI > > The myth of Prometheus has its origins in ancient Greek mythology. There are several historical sources that mention or allude to the myth, including the works of Hesiod, Aeschylus, and Plato. > 1. Hesiod's Theogony: This ancient Greek poem provides one of the earliest accounts of Prometheus. It describes Prometheus as a Titan who stole fire from the gods and gave it to humans, leading to their advancement. > 2. Works and Days by Hesiod: Another work by Hesiod, this poem further expands on the story of Prometheus. It explains how Prometheus tricked Zeus and helped humanity by providing them with various tools and skills. > 3. Aeschylus' Prometheus Bound: This tragedy play by Aeschylus is perhaps the most famous literary treatment of the Prometheus myth. It portrays Prometheus being punished by Zeus for his actions, chained to a rock and tormented by an eagle that eats his liver every day. > 4. Plato's Protagoras: In this philosophical dialogue written by Plato, Socrates refers to Prometheus as a wise and crafty figure who brought knowledge to mankind. > 5. Ovid's Metamorphoses: Ovid's epic poem includes various transformations in Greek mythology, including the story of Prometheus. It narrates how he created humans from clay and later stole fire for them. > 6. Theogony by Apollodorus: Apollodorus provides a concise account of Prometheus' actions in his ancient Greek text, mentioning his theft of fire and subsequent punishment. > 7. Percy Bysshe Shelley's Prometheus Unbound: This 19th-century play is considered one of the most significant literary treatments of the myth. Shelley depicts Prometheus as a defiant rebel against oppressive authority and explores themes such as freedom, revolution, and the power of love. > 8. Mary Shelley's Frankenstein: While not directly retelling the myth itself, Mary Shelley's famous novel draws inspiration from the Prometheus myth. The character of Victor Frankenstein can be seen as a modern-day Prometheus, defying the natural order by creating life and facing dire consequences. > These are just a few examples of the historical sources and literary treatments of the Prometheus myth. The story has been retold and reimagined countless times in various forms of art, literature, and film, continuing to captivate audiences with its themes of rebellion, knowledge, and human ambition. So my take away, to link it to the rest of the vault: - [[ZK - 2023-07-08 - The myth of Prometheus underscores Technology as a source of empowerment]] This is interesting, the AI is really an interesting way to explore a topic: > **SYS**: You are an erudite academic studying the history and sociology of technology. You are both critical and welcoming of the impact of technology on society. > **ME**: What are historical sources for the myth of prometheus, and what are later historical treatments? > [!ai]+ AI > > Prometheus, a Titan in Greek mythology known for his cunning intellect and as the champion of humanity, has been a significant figure and inspiration through the course of history. The sources that recount the story of Prometheus are primarily Greek tragedies, plays, poems, and philosophical writings. > > The earliest and most comprehensive accounts of Prometheus come from two plays by the ancient Greek tragedian, Aeschylus: "Prometheus Bound" and its lost sequel, "Prometheus Unbound". Aeschylus is said to have introduced Prometheus as a tragic hero, who steals fire from the gods to give to man and is later subjected to eternal punishment by Zeus. > > Hesiod's epic poems "Theogony" and "Works and Days," dating to the 8th century BC, provide another source for the myth. Here, the character of Prometheus is significantly darker, portrayed as a trickster who deceives the gods to benefit humanity but ultimately brings ruin upon men in the form of Pandora's box. > > Plato’s "Protagoras" provides another view mentioning the role of Prometheus in the development of human civilization. > > Apart from these, there are scattered references about Prometheus in the works of Pindar, Aesop, and others. > > Later historical treatments of Prometheus can be found in literature, philosophy, and arts during the enlightenment and the romantic period. > > During the Enlightenment, thinkers such as Immanuel Kant and Voltaire often incorporated Prometheus as a symbol of human knowledge and progress. > > The Romantic era saw Percy Bysshe Shelley's lyrical drama, "Prometheus Unbound" wherein Prometheus serves as an emblem of resistance against tyrannical authority. Similarly, British poet Lord Byron and German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche depicted Prometheus as the embodiment of the human spirit's struggle against the limitations of its physical and social environment. > > The myth of Prometheus has also had significant influence in contemporary works, including Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein: or, The Modern Prometheus" which draws parallels between Prometheus' creation of man from clay and Frankenstein's creation of a creature which ultimately leads to his downfall. > > In the realm of technology and sociology, Prometheus has often been regarded as a symbol for technological progress, and the potential perils it can lead to. This is evident in the modern usage of terms such as "Promethean ambition" to describe technological hubris. The myth serves as a solemn reminder of the potential consequences of overstepping our boundaries and the delicate balance that must be maintained between human innovation and respect for forces beyond our control.