Περίληψη:
The scope of this article is to analyze the meanings attributed to the concept of ‘measure and mankind’ in Aeschylus’ Prometheus Bound (Vinctus). According to this drama, all of man’s technical and cognitive skills derive from this hero who is credited with the creation of humanity: Prometheus, the titan defies Zeus by stealing the fire and giving it to humanity. He becomes the author of human sciences and disciplines such as mathematics, geography, astronomy, and medicine. Even though in Aeschylus the two levels of being, divine and the human, are co-existent in harmony, Prometheus insists that he can act against Zeus’ will in every level, because he holds the knowledge of the future. Fearless he chooses to struggle (‘agon’) for mankind’s existence in order to fight and improve human life, through the knowledge of fire. It seems that the ontological and functional role of ‘fire’ and ‘time’ is of such great significance in this philosophical conception that constitutes them as the primary and organizing principles and measure over many others. Friendship for the human race is the motivation that guides the titan in rescuing and ‘humanizing’ men. Prometheus’ excessive struggle to save people, by ‘deed’ and not ‘myth’ stands in stark contrast with the firm decision of Zeus to destroy the human race. These are the two extremes on which the tragedy balances and the struggle of Titan is the one that, as I argue in this article, gives the measure of humanization itself.
Λέξεις-κλειδιά:
philosophy of education, philosophical anthropology, ancient Greek meter, Aeschylus, Prometheus, agon, humanization
